Thomas Tuchel is confident Chelsea's next owner – or ownership group – will expect the club to continue operating at the highest level and competing for trophies.
New York-based merchant bank Raine closed the bidding for Chelsea at 9pm this evening and will evaluate the offers received before creating a shortlist. It is understood that could include as little as three bidders in order to ensure a swift sale and remove the financial pressures on the Blues following Roman Abramovich being sanctioned by the UK Government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A consortium headed by Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers part-owner, is one of the favourites to buy Chelsea and Chicago Cubs owners, the Ricketts family, have also stated their intent. Meanwhile, Sir Martin Broughton, a Chelsea fan and former Liverpool chairman, was fronting an expected bid and Saudi Media Company, Aethel Partners, Hana Financial Group and many more have registered interest.
