Ghanaian gold mine owner Bernard Antwi Boasiako has entered the race to buy Chelsea, with a spokesperson for the businessman confirming his interest.
Chelsea have been put up for sale by Roman Abramovich, who has owned the club since 2003. Since the Russian's statement detailing his own intentions, he has been added to the UK government's list of sanctioned individuals and disqualified as a director of the London club.
A number of potential buyers have emerged, with the club valued by Abramovich at £3bn. Saudi Media Group have reportedly lodged a £2.7bn bid for the Blues, who are operating under a special licence following the sanctions against their owner, but Bosiako is also now considered in the running for the club.
A spokesperson for Boasiako, 45, told The Mail the businessman is "exploring" a bid for Chelsea. "Discussions with various parties involved in the sale have taken place," they said.
"Chelsea has a lasting legacy in Africa, players like Didier Drogba and Michael Essien are legends of the club; the opportunity to enhance the club's reputation in Africa is a very tempting prospect." Boasiako has made "concrete enquiries," according to reports, with the Blues' tradition of showcasing African players thought to be a consideration.
Africa Cup of Nations winner Edouard Mendy is currently the first-choice keeper at Stamford Bridge, as is Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, while Ghana left-back Baba Rahman - currently out on loan - is under contract with the Blues until 2024. Going further back, the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Salomon Kalou also turned out for the club, as did Ghana-born France international Marcel Desailly.
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The latest developments around the Chelsea sale come as rival Premier League clubs have questioned whether Abramovich writing off a £1.5bn debt would give the Blues an unfair advantage. The debt has been accrued in the years since 2003, when the Russian bought the club for a reported £140m.
"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart," Abramovich said in a statement when announcing his plans to sell the club. "In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
"The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club."
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