US firm that offered Manchester United investment ‘turns to Chelsea and eye potential deal, with Todd Boehly open to injection of new funds’… as Old Trafford sale rumbles this summer
- Ares Management was among the firms that offered financing at Man United
- As the takeover saga rages on, the company has turned to Chelsea instead.
- Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are open to a possible injection, according to reports
An American company that offered to invest in Manchester United earlier this year is now weighing a possible deal with Chelsea, according to reports.
The company, Ares Management, is believed to be in talks about a possible injection of funds into Stamford Bridge, with Todd Boehly’s consortium open to the approach.
Just a few months ago, Ares had been among several US-based organizations offering funding to United with the Glazer family exploring a sale.
But his takeover saga has continued to resonate and a host of interested parties have since turned their attention elsewhere, including United’s closest rivals.
Indeed, The Telegraph have claimed Ares, who now has a significant presence in the sport and a $3.7bn (£3.2bn) war chest to spend in the industry, has been in talks about negotiating a deal with Chelsea and the owner Boehly.
An American firm that offered to invest in Manchester United is now considering a deal with Chelsea
Despite the prolonged saga at United, the Glazer family has yet to make a decision on the sale.
Ares Management, which has a sizable presence in the sport, may inject fresh funds into the Blues
Should the club take on new funds, the funds will go towards a new stadium project and an expansion of several clubs, the same outlet adds.
Ares initially aimed to raise $1.5bn (£1.1bn) last year but now have greater buying power, allowing them to present an attractive proposition for Chelsea.
Both Ares and Chelsea have declined to comment.
However, a source has told The Telegraph that investors regularly approach the club, with Boehly preferring a capital injection.
Since Roman Abramovich took over the West London outfit, Boehly and Clearlake Capital have invested over £600m in new signings.
Meanwhile, negotiations between United and various parties are continuing and their potential takeover has yet to run its course, Mail Sport understands.
Chelsea have spent over £600m on transfers since their change of ownership
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) and Qatari Sheikh Jassim (right) are the two leading candidates to take charge of United and have already submitted multiple offers for the club.
Concerns have been raised that the lengthy process, which began last November, could be halted to allow the Glazers to reevaluate their options.
However, as Mail Sport reports, talks are continuing with various groups with a view to a full sale or partial investment.
The leading candidates are Sheikh Jassim of Qatar and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Both have submitted offers that United value at around £5bn.
While Sheikh Jassim’s offer is for a buyout, Ratcliffe’s proposal is for a gradual acquisition that would allow the Glazers to retain their interest for a set period.
Both clubs start their Premier League campaigns next weekend.
