5 Chelsea players out on loan that could star next season amid sanctions

Chelsea could be forced to rethink their transfer strategy if sanctions remain in place and the club cannot buy players this summer.

The UK government will review it's measures against billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who has had his assets frozen, at the end of May.

But if the sanctions are not removed then Chelsea will be forced to look to their army of loanees for help next season.

The Blues currently have 24 of their players currently out on loan, with talent spread across the world with the club represented in Lyon, Milan and Rosenborg and all the way to the less glamourous Hendon, Coventry and Merstham.

Here, Mirror sport looks at five possible options who could return to the squad and make an impact next season...

CONOR GALLAGHER

The cream of the crop at Chelsea, midfielder Gallagher has shone at Crystal Palace, earning himself an England call-up.

Already slated to return to Stamford Bridge and play a big part for Thomas Tuchel next season, he may now get even more opportunities.

Gallagher looks ready to make an impact after a stellar loan spell at Selhurst Park, where he has eight goals and three assists in 23 Premier League games.

EMERSON PALMIERI

Chelsea tried to bring Emerson back early from his season-long loan at Lyon because of problems at full back.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell have both missed chunks of the season and Cesar Azpilicueta is out of contract in the summer.

So bringing Emerson back into the squad as cover could be a no-brainer for Tuchel, who likes the Brazil-born Italy left back and is under contract until 2023.

BILLY GILMOUR

Chelsea believe Gilmour is a star in the making, and he certainly shone early on in his career after being given his chance by former boss Frank Lampard.

Things have not gone according to plan for him on loan at Norwich, where he's only started 16 Premier League games this season.

But the 20-year-old is determined to make it at Stamford Bridge and Tuchel was already planning to take a look at him in pre-season before deciding whether to use him or not.

ARMANDO BROJA

There is no chance of Chelsea selling Broja if they are unable to sign players in the summer, despite plenty of interest in the striker.

Broja has impressed on loan at Southampton where he has scored six times in 23 Premier League games this season.

That has sparked moves by Saints to make his loan deal permanent, but other clubs are also circling, including West Ham.

ETHAN AMPADU

A long shot to make it at the club next season, Ampadu makes the list because he can play in a variety of positions.

The Wales defender, who has also lined up in midfield, has started 17 out of 20 games for Venezia this season in Serie A.

He also has 12 Chelsea appearances to his name since joining them from Exeter City in 2017, as well as 31 caps for his country.