AMERICAN billionaire businessman Todd Boehly is interested in buying Chelsea, according to sources.
After almost 19 years as Blues owner, Roman Abramovich has put the club up for sale.
Boehly, 46, is part-owner of the LA Lakers and LA Dodgers and previously tried to buy the West London club in 2019.
US outlet CBS Sports Golazo report that he is ‘interested’ in purchasing the Champions League winners but is playing hardball with the price.
Football journalist Ben Jacobs tweeted: “Sources close to Todd Boehly tell me he’s interested in Chelsea but not for a 3bn asking price.
“Boehly’s 2019 offer was closer to 2bn.
“The American doesn’t feel Abramovich’s valuation matches reality and believes Stamford Bridge – an older, less adaptable stadium – reduces the overall package.
“Boehly seems more inclined to find investment partners than bid outright.
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“There is substance in a joint-bid with Hansjorg Wyss. But Wyss has also raised concerns about the asking price, even if Abramovich writes off his £1.5b loan.”
First team boss Thomas Tuchel says that Abramovich is making the ‘right decision’ and insists the Russian’s exit won’t affect his squad.
Stamford Bridge remains a sticking point with the cost for Boehly, who believes it reduces the ‘overall package’.
The stadium was last renovated in 1998 and Abramovich, 55, spent millions on plans for a huge rebuild, which would have seen the club forced to move out for up to five seasons.
He pulled the plug in 2018, when angered by the knowledge his UK Tier 1 ‘golden visa’ would not be renewed.
The development was expected to cost up to £1.7bn. Now it would be well north of £2bn.
Who is Todd Boehly?
Boehly is the current chairman and CEO of Eldridge Industries – a private investment firm based on the East Coast.
He has German roots, as his grandparents emigrated to America.
At school he was on the wrestling team which won state tournament titles in 1990 and 1991.
So key was Boehly’s role on the team, the school named their facilities after him – calling it the Boehly Family Wrestling Room.
He already very well invested in sport, in particular, in Los Angeles.
He owns the LA Lakers and LA Dodgers, as well as the successful WNBA side LA Sparks.
Despite being incredibly busy, Boehly has plenty of time for charity work.
He is on the board of Faces – Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures – and the Brunswick School, a private school in Connecticut.
Boehly is also involved with helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – the only non-profit charity in North America dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
