The owners of Major League Baseball team the Chicago Cubs, the Ricketts family, have confirmed their interest adding that they are leading a group of investors and will make a bid for Chelsea on Friday.
The Ricketts have had a majority interest in the Cubs around the time sanctioned club owner, Roman Abramovich had come on board.
The joint bid also includes the US hedge fund entrepreneur Ken Griffin.
Roman Abramovich’s had had his attempt to sell the club halted when the British government placed an embargo on his assets restricting him from taking or making any financial obligations.
That move by the UK government came on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Abramovich said to have strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A statement from Ricketts shared further details “in due course” on Wednesday.
“The Ricketts Family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, can confirm they will be leading an investment group that will make a formal bid for Chelsea this Friday,” the statement read.
“As long-time operators of an iconic professional sports team, the Ricketts Family and their partners understand the importance of investing for success on the pitch, while respecting the traditions of the club, the fans, and the community.”
The Ricketts had inquired about buying the club in 2018, meaning they have already done due diligence and are a credible bid and frontrunner to acquire the north London club.