Home/Soccer

via Reuters

via Reuters

The Lionel Messi fever is running high! The 7x Ballon d’Or winner’s move has helped the Herons significantly, with fans and superstars making trips to the DRV PNK Stadium to witness the Argentine wizard’s magic. Meanwhile, a $30-billion-worth American firm—that raised $3.7 billion in all things sports last year (more than twice their initial target)—and Chelsea owners have been in talks as the English Premier League football club has been looking to raise its funds.

Ares Management announced an injection of $75 million in Inter Miami after the initial $150 million investment in 2021. Just hours after the announcement, the firm turned its attention to the English Premier League. Both parties have declined to comment, but the club, which broke records after spending £600mn on new players last season, is now vying for a lucrative deal for a new venture. 

After heavy spending last year, Chelsea looking for fresh capital

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With the American firm’s announcement of a $75 million cash injection into Inter Miami, a Chelsea investment will add valuably to Ares’s football holdings. This news isn’t surprising looking at how majority owner Clearlake Capital and American investor Todd Boehly invested heavy loads of green that ended with a disappointing 12th finish in the Premier League and firing their two head coaches along the way. 

via Imago

The news outlet Bloomberg claimed that Ares is interested in a strategic venture with the Londoners. While the US firm initially targeted raising a $1.5 billion last year, the firm now holds greater spending power. It is in a position to send an attractive offer to Chelsea, who have spent freely in the last two transfer windows. If the deal falls into place, Chelsea owners will pump that cash into a new stadium project and a multi-club expansion. 

The outlet reports that talks are ongoing between the Premier League club and the firm. The Todd Boehly-led consortium is open to an approach from Ares Management. Boehly, however, prefers an equity injection. While the talks might not end in a result, Chelsea will still be hunting for an investor to design an extensive stadium upgrade.

READ MORE: Costing Double Than NFL Super Bowl’s Tickets, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami’s 1st Away Game Tickets Sold Out in 22 Minutes

The US owners are looking to either renovate the existing Stamford Bridge home ground or build a new one in Earl’s Court. But like they say, one man’s fortune is another man’s loss. Apparently, this news might come as a setback for another Premier League club, who have been looking to raise strategic investments. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Ares Management was interested in Chelsea’s rival team 

The Glazers released a statement last November regarding strategic alternatives for Manchester United. Selling the club was also an option for the United’s owners. They were open to a sale but were also looking for significant investment. Before Jim Ratcliffe with INEOS and Sheikh Jassim’s bids were seemingly shortlisted, Ares Management had approached the club over a potential deal earlier in the year.

It pitched the proposal to the Glazers. However, with the indecision from the United owners, everyone around the investment and sale process has been frustrated. The saga is still going on.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

There’s no communication yet from Red Devils’ owners. And amid this, Ares Management has turned towards its rivals, Chelsea. The new investment will come at a crucial time for Chelsea, which is in the transition phase under new owners and a new manager.

WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams