Roman Abramovich has put Chelsea up for sale by inviting potential buyers to bid for the Premier League club.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claims he has been offered the chance to join a takeover as pressure mounts on Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Wyss told Swiss newspaper 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. You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money. 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.”
Abramovich’s future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt after he announced plans to hand over stewardship of Chelsea to trustees of the club’s charitable foundation.
Labour MP Chris Bryant has been leading the calls for Abramovich to face sanctions over his alleged closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The 55-year-old has disputed he has close ties with Putin or has done anything to warrant being sanctioned over Russia’s invasion.
While there have been no suggestions that Abramovich is about to call in the loans he has given the Blues since buying them in 2003, the club’s fans will be concerned about the future.
Chelsea have enjoyed unprecedented success under Abramovich’s ownership, establishing themselves as one of the top clubs in Europe.
Manager Thomas Tuchel refused to discuss the situation ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup tie against Luton Town, ordering the media to stop asking him questions.
