Chelsea ‘set for partial takeover by Czech billionaire Petr Kellner as Roman Abramovich talks planned’, reports say
CHELSEA could be set for a partial takeover by the Czech Republic's richest man Petr Kellner.
The billionaire businessman, who founded the PPF investment fund, is a friend of Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
Kellner, 54, has an executive box at Stamford Bridge and is often seen in company with Abramovich - despite Chelsea reiterating the club is NOT for sale.
Respected business magazine Forbes rates the Czech tycoon the world's 88th-richest person, putting his wealth at just over £12billion.
And sources in Prague claim the financial wizard is poised to open talks with the Chelsea hierarchy about a major investment in the next few days.
Abramovich has endured problems in getting his UK visa renewed, while the mood towards Russians in the UK has hardened following the Salisbury poisonings.
They have won the Champions League and three Premier League titles since Abramovich bought the club from Ken Bates in 2003.
However they face a costly rebuild of their historic 42,000-seat home ground as they plan to raise its capacity to 60,000.
And Kellner's wealth could yet help elevate the 2017 Premier League winners to a new level.
