Chelsea are expected to receive a £2.5bn takeover bid this week as Roman Abramovich’s sale of the west London club looms.
Abramovich has reportedly set an asking price of £3bn for Chelsea after announcing his decision to sell the club, following the scrutiny he has faced – and possible sanctions – amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian is expected to receive an official approach from British property developer Nick Candy this week, with a bid of £2.5billion set to be submitted.
The Mail are reporting that Candy is a boyhood fan of the Blues and the offer will include plans for a £1.5bn rebuild of Stamford Bridge.
Candy’s offer falls below Abramovich’s valuation, but it is deemed as a ‘credible’ bid under the current circumstances.
The 49-year-old is understood to be in discussions with a number of American investors about forming a consortium to launch a takeover bid. Thomas Ricketts, the Chicago Cubs chairman, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and Crystal Palace shareholder Josh Harris are among the Americans who have been linked with an approach to takeover at Chelsea.
Key to a consortium’s hopes will be the plans to rebuild and develop Stamford Bridge, after initial plans to modernise the club’s facilities under Abramovich stalled.
The rebuilding of the ground will increase match-day revenue and be crucial to Chelsea’s need to become more self-sustainable, given the debts incurred to Abramovich during the Russian’s reign as owner.
Abramovich has also received an opening proposal from the consortium fronted by Boehly and Wyss, though the latter – an 86-year-old Swiss billionaire – has gone on the record to say that Abramovich’s asking price is too high.
