Chelsea star Azpilicueta to stay despite Abramovich sanctions

Will Ford
Cesar Azpilicueta shouting

Cesar Azpilicueta looks set to stay at Chelsea this summer despite the sanctions imposed by the UK Government on Roman Abramovich.

The 32-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona at the end of his Blues contract this summer.


READ MORE: Ten consequences of Chelsea licence after Abramovich is sanctioned…


And following the revelation on Thursday that Abramovich had been added to the list of sanctioned individuals, that move – along with the exits of fellow out-of-contract defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – appeared a formality.

While Abramovich can still sell the club, if he hands over the process of the sale to the government, Chelsea are banned from negotiating new deals under the sanction.

But Spanish outlet AS (via Metro) claim Azpilicueta had already been tied down to a new one-year deal before the sanctions were put in place.

The defender had a clause in his contract which meant that if he played 30 games for the club this season, Chelsea would have the option to extend his deal until 2023.

The Blues skipper has now played 32 times this term and the report claims Chelsea have already taken up their option.

Chelsea have been given a special licence to continue operation, but are unable to sell match-day tickets or negotiate new contracts.

But reports claim the sale of Chelsea can still go through if Abramovich allows the government to take over the process and decide where the funds, thought to be over £2billion, from the deal go.

A special dispensation will be given if the sale in in the best interests of Chelsea that does not benefit Abramovich.

‘HM Treasury may vary, revoke or suspend this licence at any time,’ the licence states.

The report states that prospective buyers have not been told whether Abramovich will consider this option, but it’s claimed one suitor has insisted their ‘interest remains just as strong’ and it’s hoped ‘a solution can be found’.

Abramovich will likely agree to the terms, with the alternative threatening the future of the club he’s owned for close to two decades.