Roman Abramovich puts Chelsea up for sale as Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss reveals approach

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Roman Abramovich has put Chelsea up for sale by inviting potential buyers to bid for the club this week.

Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Chelsea owner Abramovich will receive bids for the club and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has since confirmed he is one of the parties who has been given the opportunity to make an offer.

It is understood that potential buyers have been contacted by the New York-based merchant bank, Raine, claiming to be in charge of the sale of Chelsea.

Chelsea have not responded to the claims of Wyss or the belief that the club is now for sale.

Interested parties are thought to have been told that Abramovich wants around £4 billion for Chelsea, but sources close to the process believe that he can only expect to receive bids in the region of £2bn.

Abramovich has previously turned down offers worth £2.2bn for Chelsea, while the club’s debt to him is £1.51bn.

Telegraph Sport knows of at least three parties interested in buying Chelsea, with Wyss claiming he is one of four potential buyers to have been contacted.

It is understood that parties have been encouraged to make their best bids by the end of this week, with Abramovich now under huge pressure to sell Chelsea.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in calls for Abramovich to be sanctioned, despite claims he has offered support to peace talks between the two countries. The 55-year-old’s spokesperson has not responded to reports he is selling his properties, including his mansion in Kensington Palace Gardens.

Abramovich has attempted to distance himself from Russian president Vladimir Putin, but, speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, Wyss said: “Like all other oligarchs, he (Abramovich) is also in a panic. 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 £2bn.

“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.”

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