6/5 Chelsea rocked by transfer embargo

Chelsea’s hopes of challenging for the Premier League title next season have been rocked after they were banned from signing players in the next two transfer windows for breaching rules in relation to youth players (Chelsea 6/5 – Top-Four Finish).

FIFA made the announcement on Friday morning, with the Blues currently preparing for their Carabao Cup final showdown with Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday (Chelsea 5/1, draw 7/2, Manchester City 4/7 – Match Betting).

The sport’s governing body have been investigating Chelsea’s signing of foreign Under-18 players, including former striker Bertrand Traore, and they have found the Premier League outfit to be in breach of the rules.

Chelsea have three days appeal the decision, with their current transfer embargo, as things stand, set to end after the January window in 2020.

The ban does not restrict the Blues from selling players although it could have a significant impact on their stance over a couple of star men.

Both Eden Hazard and fellow playmaker Willian have been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge in previous windows, with Real Madrid and Barcelona being connected respectively.

But Chelsea are now even less likely to allow the duo to move on to pastures new, considering they won’t have the option to sign adequate replacements until the summer of 2020.

The ban comes ahead of a massive couple of games for manager Maurizio Sarri and the west Londoners, as they get set for the League Cup final this weekend before a derby showdown with Tottenham in the Premier League on February 27 (Chelsea 11/8, draw 12/5, Tottenham 21/10 – Match Betting).

Odds subject to change.