Chelsea's four prospective buyers have been given two key dates in the battle to take over at Stamford Bridge.
US brokers Raine have set a deadline of April 11 for the preferred bidders to make any changes, alterations or improved offers. That could be crucial as Roman Abramovich is believed to value the club at around £3billion and any successful bid is likely to have to be in excess of £2.5bn.
The next key date is April 18 as Raine are likely to take their No1 option forward to the Government for approval as that would be the stage when they ask for a special licence to complete the takeover. It could be completed by the end of April as Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has already said that they could potentially oversee a takeover within 10 days.
But more realistically, it should be completed by the end of the Premier League season which would at least ease the uncertainty and difficulties surrounding Chelsea amid the takeover and sanctions against Abramovich. That would still represent an incredibly quick sale in the grand scheme of things with the Premier League’s Directors’ and Owners test the final hurdle.
US tycoon Todd Boehly, who is co-owner of the LA Dodgers, is seen as the current favourite with his consortium. But British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton, who is also backed by Sebastian Coe, has support from within the club.
The Ricketts family, who own the Chicago Cubs, and the Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca make up the four preferred bidders who are now going forward. They have all been meeting with fans’ groups including the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust while they will also be given the opportunity to speak to Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
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Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia will also have a big say on the preferred bidder with keeping Tuchel one of the key issues for any successful bid. But Raine have also made it clear they want reassurances that the successful bid will include plans for a redevelopment of the 40,000 capacity Stamford Bridge, and that may mean a £1billion commitment.
Chelsea have already seen the Government read initial sanctions preventing them from selling extra tickets, a limit on expenditure on away travel and match day costs. But the ongoing sale and uncertainty plus financial restrictions is still a major issue and that is another driving force as to why Chelsea want a quick sale to go through.
It would also help them sign players this summer: Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger are all out of contract at the end of the season and their futures are currently in limbo, and Tuchel will also want assurances over the next few weeks about the long-term future.
