A shortlist of preferred bidders for Chelsea could be identified during this week.
London-based global investment firm Centricus has confirmed its intention to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich put the Premier League club up for sale at the beginning of this month. Despite the UK sanctioning the Russian 
oligarch following his country’s invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea’s search for a new owner continues.
Raine Group, the New York investment bank handling the sale, plans to draw up a shortlist of preferred candidates this week after Friday’s deadline for offers passed.
Centricus, the London-based global investment firm, have confirmed their bid to buy Chelsea.
They say they will keep investing in the first team, academy, women's team and Chelsea Foundation. They will also keep on the current management at all levels. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 21, 2022
Centricus joins the race
Centricus, which has £29 billion in assets, features several Chelsea season-ticket holders.
The company’s co-founder Nizar Al-Bassam and CEO Garth Ritchie, along with Jonathan Lourie of Cheyne Capital and Talis Capital’s Bob Finch, are heading the takeover bid.
In a statement, Centricus said it wants to ‘maintain and support existing management’ as part of plans for a ‘long-term investment’.
“The intention is to maintain and support existing management on both the business and sporting operations of the CFC Group,” read the statement as quoted on ESPN.
“We intend to maintain the existing strategy direction. Clearly, the CFC Group has been operating in challenging conditions and we appreciate the importance for the CFC Group, the fans, and other key stakeholders of ensuring a smooth and stable ownership transition.
“During this transition period and thereafter, we will ensure that we have frequent and open dialogue with all key stakeholders which underpins our long-term commitment to the CFC Group and its continued future success.
“If our offer is successful, Centricus would be focused on ensuring that the CFC Group continues to achieve sporting excellence, high level of community support, transparent governance, financial sustainability, fan engagement and exemplary custodianship.”
Who else wants to buy Chelsea?
At least four consortiums have announced bids to buy the European champions.
British property investor Nick Candy, a lifelong Chelsea fan, is among them. He upped his offer on Monday after the addition of a large Korean financial institution to his consortium over the weekend.
British businessmen Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Coe have formed another group, comprising backers from four different continents.
Angeles Dodgers and LA Lakers part-owner Todd Boehly is also leading a consortium. Joining him from the United States is the Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson hasn’t confirmed an offer, but he is expected to have made one.
Nick Candy has improved his bid to buy Chelsea with additional backers. pic.twitter.com/v0uQaQzn5o
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 21, 2022
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