'Transfer ban is coming' - Why Chelsea fans are fearing the worst as Premier League chief Richard Masters reveals investigation into Blues is 'reaching a conclusion' - explained

Premier League CEO Masters gave fans an update on an investigation into Chelsea's financial dealings during the Roman Abramovich era. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "What we’re talking about is something historic. It's complicated where we have the club talking to us about things that have happened under a previous ownership. All I can say is that the investigation is reaching a conclusion. But until it has done so, I can't really say what is going to happen next."

Abramovich's potential financial breaches relate to the accusation that he used offshore companies to make transactions for player transfers to Chelsea. Leaked documents have previously shown that the former Blues owner allegedly paid tens of millions to agents and associates, but these numbers were not declared to the Premier League. Todd Boehly reported these issues to the governing bodies after he completed a takeover but there has so far been no conclusive action taken while a lengthy investigation continues.

Chelsea fans on social media are not taking the news well and many have already resigned themselves to the possibility of receiving a transfer ban in the near future.

One user, @CarefreeAndBlue posted: "Sounds like a transfer ban is coming."

@HowUBenFeller was in agreement with his fellow Blues fan, adding: "RIP to our next few windows..."

Another account, @carlyjayne1, suggests that the club may be aware that a ban is coming, hence their spending this summer. She said: "I think Chelsea already know that a transfer ban is on the cards, hence all the upfront spending."

However, @gusmears1905 is taking a more optimistic approach and believes they will not be given more than a small fine. He posted: "Same thing already reported to UEFA which result in a small fine. Essentially a slap on the wrist. Would be very difficult for Premier League to justify being much more heavy-handed than UEFA."

Chelsea have signed 35 players since Boehly took over in west London and they have already splurged upwards of £185 million($238m) this summer on 12 new faces. But it is the actions of the former owner that are still being scrutinised by the Premier League. An incoming ban would explain the raft of signings the American co-owner is bankrolling in 2024, although it remains to be seen whether any significant action will be taken.

With Masters suggesting the investigation into Chelsea's finances is reaching a conclusion, news could break at any moment regarding the outcome. It will be something Boehly is keeping a close eye on but for head coach Enzo Maresca and his players, it is business as usual ahead of the Premier League's return this weekend.