Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claims he's been offered the chance to buy Chelsea as part of a consortium.
The 86-year-old claims Roman Abramovich is scrambling to sell the Premier League club as he faces the prospect of crippling sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
And the Russian owner could find a buyer in a £2billion consortium involving Wyss, the founder of medical device Synthes USA, and several others.
Abramovich is said to be reluctant to part with the club he's owned since 2003 but could be left with no choice if the UK implements the sanctions.
Wyss stated he and a further three, unnamed individuals have received an offer from the Stamford Bridge chief.
He told Swiss newspaper Blick: "Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England, he also 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 £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money.
"As of today, we don't know the exact selling price."
On Saturday, Abramovich attempted to hand over stewardship of Chelsea to trustees of the club's charitable foundation but they have raised concerns and asked for further details.
A number of Russian oligarchs have already been hit with financial penalties and the UK Government has faced pressure to also target Abramovich, who is allegedly attempting to help broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Wyss, meanwhile, has said he would only be interested in a deal if it involved other investors.
He added: "I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners,' said Wyss.
"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."
Abramovic swept into English football almost 20 years ago, pumping huge sums of cash into Chelsea and elevating the club into Europe's elite.
The Blues have won five Premier League titles under his stewardship and also captured the Champions League trophy in 2012.
