The owners of Major League Baseball side Chicago Cubs are set to submit a ‘blockbuster’ offer to take charge of Chelsea.
The Ricketts family, who own the Chicago Cubs, and billionaire Ken Griffin have joined forces in a bid to take ownership of the Premier League side from Roman Abramovich, after the Russian was sanctioned by the UK government over alleged ties to Vladimir Putin.
A formal offer is expected to be submitted on Friday and Sky News are reporting that the proposal represents a ‘formidable competitor’ to rival bids to take ownership at Stamford Bridge.
Several American investors have expressed an interest in purchasing Chelsea and a spokesperson for the consortium revealed on Wednesday the plans to make a formal bid.
“The Ricketts Family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, can confirm they will be leading an investment group that will make a formal bid for Chelsea Football Club this Friday.
“As long-time operators of an iconic professional sports team, the Ricketts Family and their partners understand the importance of investing for success on the pitch, while respecting the traditions of the club, the fans and the community.
“We look forward to sharing further details of our plans in due course.”
Chelsea are set to receive a number of offers ahead of Friday’s deadline, with a whole host of Americans interested in a deal. Owners of the New York Jets and Houston Rockets, Woody Johnson and Tilman Feritta, are among those set to submit bids.
Nick Candy, a boyhood Chelsea fan and British property tycoon, has also been in talks with American investors over forming a consortium. Sir Martin Broughton, the former chairman of Liverpool, is also said to be preparing a bid.
