AFTER almost 19 years as Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich is ready to sell the Blues.
The Russian billionaire, 55, is reportedly feeling the threat of UK Government sanctions now hanging over his head in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Now, it's believed he is ready to end his love affair with the London club he bought in 2003 – and is prepared to sell within days if he gets the right offer.
But who would be prepared to follow in Roman's footsteps, after he created an impressive legacy winning 21 trophies, including five Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues?
SunSport introduces you to the candidates who could be looking for an investment in West London.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Net worth: £12billion
The UK's richest man, Ratcliffe is a lifelong Manchester United fan who was once linked to buying the club.
However, he revealed to the Times in 2019 he wouldn't be adding them to his portfolio of organisations as "They are in quite a big pickle as a business".
Despite following the Red Devils, the 69-year-old does have a season ticket at Chelsea.
Monaco-based, he made his billions as a chemical engineer turned financier and industrialist.
He is the founder, chairman and majority owner of chemical powerhouse Ineos Group.
Ineos, which employs around 19,000 people across the globe, makes fuels and lubricants, food packaging and construction materials that are a huge part of everyday life.
In 2018, Ineos had a turnover of £45bn and is valued at £35bn.
Ratcliffe already has a sporting portfolio. Back in 2019, he forked out £91million for French club Nice, and owns professional cycling team Ineos Grenadiers, who as Team Sky were seven-time Tour de France winners.
Amusingly nicknamed after the James Bond villain Dr No, he also has a 257ft super yacht called Hampshire II, which cost £130million and can house 14 guests and 23 crew.
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Todd Boehly
Net worth: £4billion
The US tycoon, 46, was reportedly interested in buying Chelsea back in 2019, but his £3billion bid fell short of Abramovich's valuation.
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.
Hansjorg Wyss
Net worth: £4billion
The oldest of the potential investors at 86-years-old, Wyss has sensationally blown the lid on Chelsea being up for sale by claiming Abramovich offered him the club.
He also revealed the value of the club is open to discussion with the club owing Abramovich £2billion.
"Abramovich is looking to sell off his mansion in England, he also wants to get out of Chelsea quickly," he revealed.
"Me and three others received an offer to buy Chelsea on Tuesday from Abramovich. I have to wait 4-5 days now. Abramovich is asking too much right now.
"You know, Chelsea owes him £2billion, but Chelsea don’t have the money. As of today, we don’t know the exact selling price."
Wyss is the founder of Synthes USA, the world’s largest medical device manufacturer that makes screws and clear discs for broken bones.
The majority of his wealth was made by selling his company to Johnson & Johnson for £14billion.
Most recently, Forbes have called Wyss, who is yet to dabble in sport, as "one of the most philanthropic people in the world".
Astonishingly, he has donated £89million to two universities in Zurich – the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.
Stephen Ross
Net worth: £6billion
Perhaps would be the most controversial choice, American Ross, 81, was heavily involved with launching the idea of the badly-advised European Super League.
Previously, he created the International Champions Cup – a preseason tournament that pits the best sides around Europe against each other during the summer.
Ross made his billions as a real estate developer, and is majority owner of the Related Companies which he founded in 1972.
Two of his most famous buildings decorate New York's skyline – the Deutsche Bank Center, where he works and resides, as well as Hudson Yards.
His investments include Hollywood exercise craze SoulCycle and luxury American fitness group Equinox.
Ross also owns NFL side Miami Dolphins and their Hard Rock Stadium, which cost him a combined £830million in 2009.
But it's our football that seems to entice the Detroit, Michigan native.
Another company of Ross's, the Relevent Sports Group, acquired the rights to broadcast the Champions League in the US.
Ross has never declared an interest in buying Chelsea in the past. But with the lure of owning a club in a competition his media company promotes, he may just be tempted into the auction.
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