Chelsea appear to be moving one step closer to a takeover of the west London club being completed. The deadline for confirmed bids has come and gone over the past week, with a number of interested parties either table their offers for the club or indeed dropped out of the race.
The decision over who will be handed the opportunity to succeed Roman Abramovich at Stamford Bridge now firmly lies with the Raine Group, with supporters, players and club staff alike all on tenterhooks over which direction Chelsea are set to go in. With uncertainty reigning, it is certainly difficult to know at what stage the current takeover sits.
With that being said, football.london takes a look at the more prominent contenders who could complete a deal and what their hopes are of becoming the new owners of Chelsea.
READ MORE:New owners’ top priority revealed once Roman Abramovich takeover deal is complete
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, reports suggest that they have been informed that they are a preferred bidder although that is yet to be communicated by Raine.
Todd Boehly/Hansjorg Wyss consortium
One of the first consortiums 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.
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.
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.