American billionaire Todd Boehly has reportedly lodged the first bid to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
The LA Dodgers part-owner is heading a consortium which also includes Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and according to the Telegraph, they have officially submitted his offer to New York-based merchant Raine Group.
Last week, Abramovich confirmed that after 19 years at the helm, he would look to sell the Blues with his decision made in “the best interest” of the club.
The Russian businessman is looking for around £3billion and it is understood there are around 10 parties interested in making a bid.
It is suggested that Boehly and the consortium are yet to hear a response from Abramovich, having hoped to skip the queue by getting in an early offer.
The current deadline is set for March 15, the same date that the British government will be able to impose sanctions on hundreds of individuals with links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Sky Sports report that most of the interest is likely to come from the United States due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the crackdown on foreign investment from the Chinese government.
Boehly has a reported net worth of £4.7bn, whilst Wyss, 86, is worth around £3.8bn, meaning they would have little issue in raising the kind of capital required to purchase the club from Abramovich.
Having bought the club in 2003, it is believed that Abramovich will only sell to prospective buyers who will continue to invest in the playing squad and fund a major stadium redevelopment or relocation.
In total, the 55-year-old has loaned Chelsea £1.5bn, but is willing to write that off, insisting the decision to sell the Blues has been made with the club’s best interests at heart.
Wyss confirmed he was one of the interested parties last week, although he did suggest Abramovich’s asking price was too high.
"Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic,” he told Swiss news outlet 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
"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."
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is another name that has been linked with potentially buying Chelsea, whilst Turkish businessman Mushin Bayrak has claimed he has made a bid.
He told Oda TV, via Sport Witness: “We have reached a certain stage. Our law and finance department will start talks with theirs in London on Thursday.
“That’s the way it is at this point. On Thursday, we will notify the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP).
“People are talking about it, we made some progress in the talks, and the world believes we have a 90% chance of completing the deal. Abramovich thinks the same.”
