Chelsea will lose FIVE players in summer including Rudiger and Azpilicueta after ban on new contracts

CHELSEA are set to lose several big stars this summer after Roman Abramovich had his assets FROZEN.

Defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen each have contracts that are set to expire in the summer.

2

2

But the Blues will not be able to keep them at Stamford Bridge since they are BANNED from all transfer-related activity, including handing out new contracts.

Charly Musonda Jr will also depart at the end of the season when his contract expires.

The same applies to loanee Saul Niguez, with Chelsea no longer able to activate the option to buy clause they have for the midfielder.

It is a big blow for the club, with merchandise and ticket sales also restricted as a result of the development.

Chelsea will be granted a special licence to continue playing but Abramovich will be deprived of any profits.

That means the game against Norwich at Carrow Road this evening WILL go ahead.

But Stamford Bridge could look quite different on Sunday against Newcastle with only season ticket holders allowed to attend the game.

It comes as:

• LIVE: The very latest from Stamford Bridge
• Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is sanctioned by UK Government and BANNED from selling club
• Club at threat of POINTS DEDUCTION
• Chelsea are banned from selling match tickets
• Club slapped with transfer ban and giving out contracts
• Tonight's game against Norwich is ON despite the drama
• Strict travel budget means ban on private jets to away games
• FIVE players are now certain to leave in summer

Most read in Football

SCORES ON THE DOORS

Liverpool face West Ham, Spurs drop points, Haaland scores in City win

ON THE MOVE?

Glum Rashford chauffeur-driven from training as Man U future hangs in balance

REAL DEAL

'Secret pact' in Alexander-Arnold's proposed Real Madrid transfer from Liverpool

LEGEND'S FIGHT

West Ham icon reveals heartbreaking cancer battle & decision to stop chemo

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

That's because Chelsea will not be allowed to sell home or away tickets - although a workaround may be found that allows visiting fans to attend.

Supporters will be allowed to buy food and drink in the ground.

The Blues had been in contract talks with Christensen and Rudiger amid speculation they could both leave.

Barcelona are believed to be interested in stealing Azpilicueta and Christensen away from west London.

Rudiger has also had no shortage of suitors with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain rumoured to be keen on the defender.

⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories