Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak has been listed as the latest in the list of moguls interested in buying Chelsea with the latest news emerging that beleaguered owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly flown to Turkey this week to personally hook up the deal.
Abramovich is understandably keen to find an eager buyer soonest possible in anticipation of sanctions against him, which have forced him to distance himself from the club in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine last week.
The Russian billionaire is allegedly looking for bids in the area of £3 billion, although realistically the sudden rushed nature of the sale would likely mean that he could end up with considerably less than what he hopes to get for the club he had built up since acquiring it in 2003.
Potential buyers have announced their interest in the Stamford Bridge club, including Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American tycoon Todd Boehly who are said to be planning a joint-bid.
However Bayrak – worth an estimated £8 billion and of whom little is known in the West- has emerged as the latest frontrunner brandishing his cheque book after claiming “the Turkish flag will fly in London” earlier this week.
Abramovich, who announced he is waiving £1.5 billion worth of debt the club owes him, is apparently intent on ensuring that Chelsea falls into the right hands, and is personally investing time and attention the last few days speaking with the prospective buyers.
Abramovich’s £48 million private jet was spotted touching down in Istanbul on Wednesday, from which it subsequently proceeded to the Ankara, theTurkish capital. The understanding is that Abramovich has since met with Turkish billionaire Bayrak in person to discuss the deal, with Bayrak claiming that he has been engaged in talks with the Chelsea owner and insisting persistently that he is “in the negotiation phase for the signatures”.
Speaking to Turkish outlet Yeni Safak, Bayrak said: “We are negotiating the terms of the purchase of Chelsea with Roman Abramovich’s lawyers.
“We are in the negotiation phase for the signatures. We will fly the Turkish flag in London soon.
“We made our offer. Because of the war with Russia and Ukraine in the world. Because they find Turkey safe, they want to get most of the after-sales money in Turkey. We are planning to sign soon.”