Hansjorg Wyss has emerged as a surprise contender to complete a takeover of Chelsea after his recent claims.
The Swiss billionaire has suggested that he has been offered the chance to purchase the west London club by Roman Abramovich following the Russian’s decision to step back from the day-to-day operations at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking with Blick, the 86-year-old said: "[Abramovich] wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
"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."
Any completed deal would be a huge diversion from the recent past, with Abramovich having been the controlling stakeholder since his 2003 takeover.
It would also signal a considerable drop in potential spending power too.
As it stands, Wyss holds a net worth of $5.1 billion (£3.8 billion) according to Forbes and is listed as the 451st wealthiest person in the world having made his fortune from the 2012 sale of his biotech business Synthes.
Meanwhile, current Blues owner Abramovich can boast a far bigger fortune at the time of writing.
As per Forbes, the Russian oligarch holds a net worth of $12.6billion (£9.4billion) - some £5.6billion more than Wyss.
Abramovich currently sits at the 142nd wealthiest individual in the world having previously been the richest man in Russia.
