Chelsea takeover: Stephen Pagliuca targets 'strategic investment' & 'habitual winning'

Prospective Chelsea buyer Stephen Pagliuca has become the latest bidder to outline his plans for the club should his takeover be successful.

Thursday (14 April) is the deadline for the four shortlisted consortia to submit their final highest offers for the club to merchant bank the Raine Group, who are managing the sale on behalf of Chelsea's oligarch owner Roman Abramovich.

Boston Celtics co-owner Pagliuca - who also possesses a 55% stake in Serie A side Atalanta - was in attendance on Saturday as Thomas Tuchel's side thrashed Southampton 6-0 at St Mary's.

The American businessman has since spoken out for the first time since making his bid, outlining his plans for Chelsea in a statement to PA.

“This process has been a disconcerting time for the football club and fans," he said.

“Throughout my life and career, my ethos has always been to operate quietly, with integrity, and let my actions and results speak loudly.

“However, it is imperative to clarify and assure supporters about our bid group and its commitments, to emphasize how seriously we take our potential responsibility to Chelsea.

“Our first focus and goal is to make strategic investments to continue competing for championships and trophies.

“We will support our players and managers to make sure that Chelsea are habitual winners and title contenders, whether in the Premier League, Champions League or the Women’s Super League (the only Super League we intend competing in, for the record).

“In addition, we will continue to invest in the youth academy to develop the stars of the future and we would not be in this process if we did not have an exciting and inclusive vision for Chelsea.”

Rival American bidders the Ricketts family have already made two statements, laying out their plans for the club and making eight pledges to supporters.

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