Arsenal may have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Crystal Palace starlet Michael Olise following the UK government's sanctions against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich has been added to the sanctions list, meaning all of his UK assets - including Chelsea Football Club - have been frozen.
The Blues will be allowed to continue functioning with restrictions under a special sporting licence, which expires at the end of May.
The sanctions also have put its sale into major doubt and the owner will no longer be permitted to invest in the west London club, with any prize money earned also to be frozen whilst fans won't be allowed to attend away matches.
This could help the Gunners beat their rivals to the signing of Palace star Olise, with the two London giants keen on his services, according to The Daily Mail.
Olise, who is valued at £16million by Transfermarkt, joined the Eagles from Championship side Reading last summer after establishing himself as one of the most talented players in the English second-tier.
He has since enjoyed a productive campaign at Selhurst Park, notching four goals and seven assists across all competitions - an impressive feat when you consider that he is still only 20.
Former Arsenal Invincible and current Palace boss Patrick Vieira has been hugely impressed with the youngster's exploits this term, heaping praise on the talented playmaker.
"When you look at the last round and this one, he played well. He can score goals, create chances and he is a special talent," Vieira said after the south Londoners defeated Hartlepool 2-0 in the FA Cup last month.
"He will improve and get better as a player. His work ethic every day has been terrific since he has been at the football club."
