Top Chelsea Star Makes Final Decision on His Future at The Club Amid Stamford Bridge Crisis

• Chelsea are currently running under a special operating licence after club owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government
• In essence, the Blues are now unable to conduct a number of transactions - including indulging in contract negotiations with squad members
• The development could see the club lose a number of players in the summer who have already entered the final months of their deals at the club
• Antonio Rudiger is one such player, with the Germany international said to be on the verge of departing Stamford Bridge

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reportedly resolved to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season amid a crisis that has rocked the club.

The development comes just hours after the UK government sanctioned embattled Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich over his alleged close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The move plunged the west London club into uncertainty, with Metro UK reporting they have been placed under a special operating licence.

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That means Abramovich cannot sell Chelsea as he had planned and the club cannot participate in the transfer business.

Chelsea on verge of losing key players

It is understood the Blues are now in danger of losing no fewer than nine first-team squad members who have entered the final stages of their current deals.

Rudiger is one such player who could depart the club after talks over a contract extension slowing down.

Reports suggest the former Roma centre-half had been holding out for a salary offer in the region of £250,000-a-week, a demand Chelsea chiefs have failed to give in.

According to Sky Sports News, the Germany international is now on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

He is expected to assess the offers he is likely to receive, with European giants including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United believed to be interested in his services.

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Pep Guardiola speaks on Chelsea crisis

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a special message to Chelsea players and his compatriot Thomas Tuchel after Blues owner Roman Abramovich was slapped with sanctions by the UK government.

Guardiola is among the Premier League's high-profile figures to delve into the Chelsea crisis, revealing he "feels sorry" for Tuchel and the players.

However, the Spaniard did not share much when he was asked about what he made of the happenings at Stamford Bridge.