The race to complete a takeover of Chelsea appears to be getting more intense by the day. Since Roman Abramovich announced his decision to sell his majority share, a number of interested parties have declared their intentions to table a bid.
Consortia from all corners of the globe have come forward in the hope of completing a deal for Chelsea, with some expected to have better luck than others. Raine Group, an American merchant bank, is overseeing the process at the current time and has reportedly named their preferred bidders.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at who is and isn't in the running to secure the current European champions.
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Saudi Media Group
The first casualty of Raine Group’s decisions, the Saudi Media group have reportedly dropped out of the race for the Blues. As per Goal, they have been informed that they would not be considered in a shortlist to purchase the club.
The consortium are the first to confirm that they have heard back since Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club. It remains to be seen whether they join one of the preferred bidders.
Ricketts Family
A name that has caused a stir among Chelsea fans over recent days is the Ricketts family. An American group, they are reportedly interested in completing a deal for the club and have reportedly planned to fly over to the UK to meet numerous stakeholders.
Protests from supporters have seen the prospect of any deal called into question so it remains to be seen whether they will be able to complete a takeover. However, it has been reported that that they are preferred bidders.
Todd Boehly/Hansjorg Wyss consortium
One of the first consortia to come to the fore in relation to a potential takeover, the group appears to have plenty of backers so would be able to complete a deal with ease. It has already been hinted that Boehly’s consortium have also been named as preferred bidders.
Nick Candy
One of a number of Chelsea fans reportedly interested in doing a deal, it has been suggested that British businessman Candy has lodged a bid for the club. Reports have suggested that AC Milan owners Elliott Management are set to back his offer for the club, although that could bring its own problems.
Candy, 49, is still yet to confirm whether he has been allowed to progress to the next stage of negotiations although his hopes have been dealt a huge blow with Catalina Kim confirming her group has severed ties with Candy's consortium.
Sir Martin Broughton
Another Chelsea fan potentially eyeing a deal for the club, Sir Martin Broughton has joined forces with Lord Sebastian Coe in an effort to secure a takeover. He outlined his ambitions in a written statement.
He wrote: “I am assembling a team that will ensure the future success and financial stability of a club I’ve supported for over 60 years.
“We will secure a prompt purchase and smooth transition, with funds readily available for the immediate takeover of the club and immediate investment in the team, facilities, and commercial opportunities.
“I believe I am the right person to lead Chelsea Football Club as we start this new chapter for the club."
Woody Johnson
Already the owner of NFL franchise New York Jets, it appears that American businessman Johnson is attempting to bolster his sports portfolio with a move for the Blues. Reports have suggested that he has lodged a solo bid for the west London club.
Sky News have suggested that he too has been told he has not made the shortlist, however.
Stephen Pagliuca
One of the most recent names to be associated with a takeover effort, the American investor is already the part-owner of Boston Celtics. Reports have suggested he managed to enter an offer for Chelsea ahead of the deadline.
Should he fail in his solo efforts to buy the Blues, it is suggested that he could be set to team up with one of the other interested parties in an effort to improve his chances.
However, various reports suggest that he too has been named as a confirmed bidder.
