Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak claims he is in talks with Roman Abramovich's lawyers about buying Chelsea after the club was put up for sale earlier this week.
Abramovich sent shockwaves rippling through European football on Wednesday when he sensationally announced he is looking to sell the Blues after almost two decades as owner.
The Russian has made the decision to end his 19-year reign at Stamford Bridge amid his country's invasion of Ukraine, which has raised questions in UK parliament about potentially imposing sanctions on him.
As a result, Abramovich is now offloading all of his London assets before the British government can penalise him, including his beloved Chelsea.
American and Swiss tycoons Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss appeared the frontrunners to meet his rumoured £3billion asking price, but now Bayrak has claimed he will be 'flying the Turkish flag in London soon'.
'We are negotiating the terms of the purchase of Chelsea with Roman Abramovich's lawyers,' the businessman, whose family is one of the most important in Turkey, told Turkish outlet Yeni Safak.
'We are in the negotiation phase for the signatures. We will fly the Turkish flag in London soon.
'We made our offer. Because of the war with Russia and Ukraine in the world. Because they find Turkey safe, they want to get most of the after-sales money in Turkey.
'We are planning to sign soon.'
Bayrak is the leader of the Mutki Tribe of Bitlis, one of the largest families in Turkey, as well as Chairman of the Board of AB Group Holding, which has investments in crypto, construction, tourism and energy sectors.
The AB Group, founded by Bayrak in 1999, is based mainly in Istanbul but also operate out of Italy, Greece and Spain. The company, allegedly worth $11billion (£8billion), is also said to have investments in London.
'Roman Abramovich has confirmed that he will sell Chelsea, which he bought in 2003, on the club's official website. Our Holding Lawyers and Roman Abramovich's lawyers have been in touch since the first day Chelsea entered the sales process,' Chelsea's potential suitor added.
'The negotiation process has come to an end and we are planning to sign soon. This sale is also very important for Turkey.'
timzypraise
140
better this Turkish man than swizz whatever fool that wants to buy Chelsea because he hates the present owner
Damaunaw
130
There is no Club Owner like Roman Abramovich!!! He Prefer Trophies than making money!!" Huge Respect from United fan!!! Hope chelsea will remain as two decade ago!!!!