Roman Abramovich is looking to sell Chelsea and has offered it to four different people, according to Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
The 86-year-old revealed he received contact from the Russian over a potential deal on Tuesday, three days after Abramovich had released a statement that handed “the stewardship and care” of Chelsea to its Foundation trustees. Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, Wyss said: "[Abramovich] wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.”
Abramovich — who is under pressure to sell after the Home Office declined to issue him a visa following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — reportedly wants to keep ownership of the club but is prepared to welcome in a consortium, an option Wyss would only be open to. He added: “Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2billion. But Chelsea has no money.
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“I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners. But I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I'm definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors."
Britain’s richest man and Manchester United supporter Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been linked with a Chelsea takeover in the past.
The Ineos founder and chairman previously hinted “never say never” to a takeover at Stamford Bridge, as per Football London , although qualified: "I don't know where those conversations will finish.” In 2019, the 69-year-old distanced himself from buying United , saying: “They are in quite a big pickle as a business.”
Later that year, Ratclifffe's energy company completed a takeover of Ligue 1 club Nice with brother Bob, who runs Ineos’ football department, saying that talks with Chelsea had taken place prior to their French acquisition. Speaking to BBC Radio, he said: "There was some early exchange [with Chelsea] but we were a significant way apart on valuations.
"The issue with Chelsea is its stadium. We are all getting older and it is a decade of your life to resolve that."
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