Roman Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea looks somewhat uncertain with the Russian reportedly ‘offering’ interested parties the chance to buy the club.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has claimed he is one of a number of individuals offered the opportunity to complete a takeover of the current European and world champions.
The claim comes after Abramovich has stepped away from the day-to-day running of the west London club.
So with questions hanging over the Blues’ immediate future and ownership status at the current time, football.london has taken a look at the standout contenders who could potentially pursue a Stamford Bridge takeover in the immediate future.
Hansjorg Wyss
A name that could well be mentioned over the next few days, the Swiss has claimed that Abramovich has offered him the chance to invest in the club.
However, in an interview with Blick, the 86-year-old has claimed that he will have to lower his demands to sell the west London outfit.
He said: "I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2billion [it is £1.5billion]. But Chelsea has no money. That means: those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich.
"As of today, we don't know the exact selling price. 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."
Jim Ratcliffe
Previously linked with buying the Blues in the past, it remains to be seen whether the UK’s richest man would attempt a takeover this time around.
He has previously failed to rule out the prospect of buying the club but his brother Bob, the head of Ineos’ football division has claimed that any purchase would not be immediate.
He said: "I think the foreseeable future it is off the radar. We have a three to five year project in Nice and that will keep us busy.
"There was some early exchange [with Chelsea] but we were a significant way apart on valuations.”
Todd Boehly
The American billionaire has been closely associated with a takeover of the west London club for some time.
It was reported by The Telegraph in 2019 that his two bids for Chelsea were turned down by Abramovich and it would be interesting to see if he adopts that stance once more this time around.
Part owner of baseball team LA Dodgers, he would certainly have the funds to complete a takeover at some point in the future.
