What could happen to Man City after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is sanctioned

The football world was rocked on Thursday morning with the announcement that the UK Government has imposed sanctions on Russian oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, as part of measures designed to put pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club just last week but the government has now frozen all of his assets - including Chelsea - before a sale could be completed.

The 'Russian Regulations' license that Chelsea will now operate under until at least May 31st allows them to fulfil fixtures and pay players and staff but it prevents the signing of players, the sale of tickets and merchandise and the renewal of contracts, among other things.

It's a shocking development but how does it affect Manchester City? There are a few ways to view this from a sky blue perspective.

Potential summer moves

Depending on how long the sanctions last and the plans of any potential new owner - according to The Telegraph, the sanctions will not necessarily stop Abramovich from selling Chelsea - there could be a number of players leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer.

The contracts of Antonio Rudiger and Saul Niguez (on loan from Atletico Madrid) expire in June, but Chelsea cannot now negotiate new deals with them. The likes of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante have less than 18 months left on their deals, the former a player that Pep Guardiola has long admired.

Chelsea have relied on Abramovich's funding over the past 19 years, so may be forced into making sales to boost income. One can imagine City being interested in players like Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Great rivalry moves up north

Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel are two of the