Roman Abramovich considering Chelsea sale - reports

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss said to be interested in possible deal as part of consortium

Russian owner Roman Abramovich has handed over control of Chelsea to the club's charitable foundation trustees. AFP

Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich has handed over control of the club. AFP

Roman Abramovich, centre, applauds after Chelsea were presented with the Premier League trophy at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015. AP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has handed over the “stewardship and care” of the Premier League club to its charitable foundation trustees. AP

Roman Abramovich took over at Stamford Bridge in 2003. PA

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich attends a 2021 women's Champions League match in Gothenburg, Sweden. AP

Mr Abramovich has been married three times and has seven children. AFP

Roman Abramovich, centre, during a court case in Fribourg, Switzerland, in 2018. EPA

Chelsea have prospered since Roman Abramovich took over. Reuters

Roman Abramovich, right, alongside Frank Lampard in 2005. PA

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta after the 2021 Champions League final in Porto. PA

Roman Abramovich is looking to sell Chelsea football club with Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claiming he has been offered the chance to buy the Premier League club, according to reports.

Russian-owner Abramovich attempted to step away from the management of Chelsea on Saturday, in the wake of Russia's military action in Ukraine and the growing possibility of sanctions from the UK government.

Wyss revealed he will look into the details of a possible deal to buy Chelsea, with the asking price said to be more than £2 billion.

"Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England, he also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly," Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick.

"I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich. I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much.

"You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money. As of today, we don't know the exact selling price."

On Chelsea, Wyss - who founded medical device firm Synthes USA - added that he could buy the football club as part of a group.

“I‘m definitely not doing something like this alone,” he said. “If I buy Chelsea, then it’s with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.”

Abramovich earlier handed over the "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to the club's charitable foundation trustees.

That led the Charity Commission to contact the Stamford Bridge club for more detail on Abramovich's plans, after some trustees raised concerns over the process.

According to the Russian billionaire's representative, Abramovich is attempting to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

“I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since,” his representative told the Press Association.

All this has affected the club and manager Thomas Tuchel.

Ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Luton Town on Wednesday, Tuchel was repeatedly asked about Abramovich.

"Listen, you have to stop, honestly. I'm not a politician," said Tuchel. "I never experienced war. So even to talk about it, I feel bad, because I'm very privileged, I sit here in peace.

"I do the best I can because you have to stop asking me these questions because I have no answers for you."

Romelu Lukaku during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham ahead of their FA Cup clash at Luton. All pictures Getty Images

Mason Mount of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.

Ross Barkley of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.

Romelu Lukaku and Kenedy of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.

Reece James of Chelsea during a recovery training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.

Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.

Timo Werner, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ross Barkley of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.

Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground in Cobham, England.