Potential new Chelsea owner Jim Ratcliffe has been told that he could 'increase' his 'corporate credit lines' in Ineos to still trump Todd Boehly in the takeover race, despite initial reports claiming the part LA Dodgers owner had entered 'exclusive' talks.
It all seemed as though it was smooth sailing for the three consortiums that were shortlisted for the final round of talks but the current Nice owner aimed to throw the biggest curveball with his enticing and attractive £4billion plus offer that trumped his competitors. In a statement released, INEOS have announced their plans to invest in the Blues to ensure a 'first-class squad' for both the men's and women's teams, as well as continued investment in the club's Cobham academy. The future of Stamford Bridge has been among the high-profile components of all bids thus far, with INEOS planning to make it a 'world-class' stadium by renovating Chelsea's home as an ongoing project so that the team are not required to relocate elsewhere.
Their statement read: "Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, has made a formal bid for Chelsea FC, for £4.25bn. £2.5bn is committed to the charitable trust to support victims of the war, with £1.75bn committed to invest directly into the club over the next 10 years. This is a British bid, for a British club.
"We believe that a club is bigger than its owners, who are temporary custodians of a great tradition, With a responsibility to the fans and the community. That is why we are committing to spending £1.75bn over 10 years that will be for the direct benefit of the club. We will invest in Stamford Bridge to make it a world-class stadium, befitting of Chelsea FC. This will be organic and ongoing so that we will not move away from the home of Chelsea and risk losing the support of loyal fans.
READ MORE: Chelsea sale: Roman Abramovich's stance on Jim Ratcliffe's bid revealed amid Todd Boehly talks
"We will continue to invest in the team to ensure we have a first-class squad of the world's greatest players, coaches and support staff, in the men's and women's games. And we hope to continue to invest in the academy to provide the opportunity for talented youngsters to develop into first-class players.
"We believe that London should have a club that reflects the stature of the city. One that is held in the same regard as Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich. We intend Chelsea to be that club. We are making this investment as fans of the beautiful game – not as a means to turn a profit. We do that with our core business. The club is rooted in its community and its fans. And it is our intention to invest in Chelsea FC for that reason. No further comment will be made from Sir Jim or INEOS during the bidding process."
It was a statement of intent that the Raine Group weren't aware of the Man United fan having made the bid directly to the club after extensive talks with chief Bruce Buck, according to The Athletic. They have also rebuffed the idea that Boehly had entered exclusive talks at this stage despite the Wall Street Journal reporting otherwise, meaning it is still all to play for despite Boehly being selected as the preferred bidder over Stephen Pagliuca and Sir Martin Broughton.
And in their most recent explainer piece, as well a saying that the richest man in Britain had been in the English capital over the last few days to hold talks with the British government despite still not having reached out to the Chelsea Supporters Trust and Pitch Owners, they have explained how the £16billion tycoon and Ineos can still be successful in their 11th-hour bid. The report reads: 'Jim Ratcliffe can win if he really wants to because he will be backed by Ineos and he could just increase the corporate credit lines to fund this purchase. Boehly and the others have to deal with the members of their syndicates.'
Chelsea fans- with it seemingly not over just yet, who do you want to be the next owner- Ratcliffe or Boehly and co? Leave your thoughts in the comments section
