Saudi group priorities revealed ahead of Chelsea bid

Saudi Arabian group Saudi Media are set to make a bid to buy Chelsea in the wake of Roman Abramovich’s sanctions.

Chelsea are currently unable to sell tickets or merchandise, buy players or renegotiate contracts, and face financial ruin should the club not be sold in the next few weeks.

READ MORE: Chelsea sanctions being eased may not be enough to sustain them

But the sanctions don’t appear to have put off potential buyers, with property developer Nick Candy thought to be among the frontrunners.

And Goal have now disclosed the details of another offer from Saudi Media, spearheaded by Mohamed Alkhereiji.

It’s reported that at the heart of the group’s bid is the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, with a focus also to remain on the Cobham Training Centre, as well as the women’s team.

It’s also claimed their immediate focus will be on securing the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.

Alkhereiji’s three children are said to be Chelsea fans, though the man himself chiefly supports Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr, for whom he built a new, state-of-the-art stadium in Mrsool Park.

Saudi Media is the largest media group in the Middle East, and turns over $1billion (£770 million) a year.

Chelsea have discouraged ‘politically sensitive’ parties from bidding, but Saudi Media insists it does not fall in that category.

It’s claimed that, unlike Newcastle – owned by the Saudi Arabian state via the Public Investment Fund – Saudi Media is an entirely private entity with no direct ties to government.

They are ready to take on the challenge of rebuilding Stamford Bridge, which will cost over £1.5billion, with their previous experience in building football stadiums thought to be key to their bid, and their existing connections in marketing and advertising also stated as a major asset in redevelopment plans.

The group is also confident it can broaden Chelsea’s fanbase in the Middle East through its extensive media outlets, and afford the club access to an untapped market.

Should they be successful in their bid they would also set up academies in the region and use the women’s team to bring about improvements to women’s rights.