Despite no formal confirmation from the Boehly group, Chelsea, or Raine, The Telegraph reports that the American will be announced as the club’s preferred buyer.
The consortiums led by Stephen Pagliuca and Sir Martin Broughton were also on the final shortlist, which included Boehly’s offer. Sir Martin Broughton’s offer had received £10 million each from Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and tennis superstar Serena Williams. The sports heavyweights, on the other hand, will have to go elsewhere if they want to get into the realm of football ownership.
Boehly was also up against Britain’s richest man, Jim Ratcliffe, who entered the race at the eleventh hour with a £4 billion proposal. Following weeks of discussions with the other three interested parties, the owner of the Ineos firm allegedly visited with Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck to discuss the takeover, with his offer causing uncertainty. Ratcliffe’s bid, however, looks to have come too late, as Boehly appears to be close to acquiring the club.