Reports have reemerged that Chelsea are the subject to a takeover bid by British chemical billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Chelsea Takeover Would Breathe New Life Into Club
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Rumours were rife last year that the Blues season ticket holder was looking at the possibility of purchasing the club. Now the speculation is back, with Chelsea fans questioning Roman Abramovich’s motives with the Russian exiled after the British government’s failure to grant him a new visa.
It’s believed the 52-year-old was taken aback by delays to the visa being granted, leading him to remove the application. Shortly afterwards, the billionaire oil tycoon applied for, and attained, Israeli citizenship.
Ratcliffe v Abramovich
Ratcliffe is worth a reported £21 billion, making him richer than Abramovich, whose personal fortune makes him worth £13 billion.
Abramovich has not been at Stamford Bridge to attend a game this season. His absence has been noted by Blues followers, and you do have to wonder if the visa issue has left the Russian frustrated to the point that he will sell up.
Chelsea’s future both on and off the pitch is not looking bright at the moment. The Blues sit sixth in the Premier League with a top-four finish looking increasingly unlikely, after yet another recent dip in form.
Many Issues to be Addressed
The Europa League is the Londoners’ best chance of bringing Champions League football back to the Bridge. An imminent transfer ban is also hanging over the club, leaving a feeling of limbo with complications to the appeal process. The club are hoping to be able to sign players in the summer whilst awaiting an outcome. However, so far, FIFA have denied the possibility by insisting the ban stands until the appeal is heard.
Maurizio Sarri has questioned the mentality of his squad, with his tenure uncertain to go beyond the end of the season. Chelsea need an opportunity to rebuild. Club director Marina Granovskaia has come in for criticism for her running of the club in Abramovich’s absence. Many fans believe she is the core problem for the club’s current situation.
Arise Sir Jim
Ratcliffe could breathe life back into a club that lacks direction. As a fan, the 66-year-old would bring a fresh approach. Whether he would be willing to throw money at the club in the same way Abramovich did is unknown. However, the club is self-sufficient these days, and in a very different state to the one the Russian bought in 2003.
With stadium plans on hold, Ratcliffe would need to invest to realise that dream; a must, to keep the club competitive. Reports have suggested Abramovich does not want to sell. However, a price of around £2 billion has been touted about by press reports, with many suggesting Ratcliffe is unsure of spending such a substantial amount.
Only time will tell, but there is no doubt Chelsea is a club in need of being changed from the top to the bottom. Where are you, Roman? Your club needs you!
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