Chelsea Football Club find themselves on the outside looking into the Premier League’s top four after Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool. The Blues are behind fourth-place Arsenal on goal difference with four games left to play.
Although Chelsea are still in the running to win the Europa League, they will also want to finish in the top four to justify what has been, at times, a turbulent season.
Things have been shaky off the pitch as well as on it, as reports continue to circulate that Roman Abramovich could sell the club.
According to RT.com, Chelsea have already held talks with potential buyers with £2.5 billion floated as the asking price. Abramovich has been at the helm for 16-years and there is speculation that he is interested in moving on from the club.
One possible buyer for Chelsea Football Club is Great Britain’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe, who is worth a reported £21bn. Ratcliffe purchased Team Sky cycling team in March renaming it Team Ineos as he looks to invest in further sporting endeavours.
Now, the businessman who has made his money in the petrochemicals industry has his eyes set on Stamford Bridge and Chelsea.
Are Chelsea Football Club for sale?
Since last August, reports of Abramovich looking for investors or potential buyers have made the rounds. In March, those reports gained more traction with Ratcliffe being touted as a possible buyer.
It has been claimed Ratcliffe has baulked at Abramovich’s £2.5bn evaluation of the club. But if Chelsea finish outside the top four and fail to claim the Europa League trophy, Ratcliffe may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price.
Abramovich’s lack of interest in Chelsea could stem from his denial of a British visa. He has since investigated the possibility of citizenship in Israel.
It is claimed Abramovich is yet to attend a Chelsea match at Stamford Bridge this season.
Premier League clubs are attracting new interest
According to the Daily Mail, Premier League clubs are once again attracting interest from business groups and investors from North American and Asia.
Several clubs including Liverpool, Tottenham, and Burnley have reported profits which have piqued the interest of individuals looking to buy into a top football club.
Ratcliffe may turn is attention to another Premier League club if he cannot land Chelsea. It is believed he is also interested in buying French Ligue 1 team Nice if he cannot purchase the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Chelsea’s parent company are said to be £1.25bn in debt to Abramovich. If the Russian sells the club, he will seek to cover his investment and then some.
Whether he can get £2.5bn for the west London club is up for debate at this point. But what isn’t up for debate is Chelsea look set to enter another summer of off-pitch issues.