Ares turns to Chelsea for possible deal

Ares Management, a US-based investment firm that offered fresh investment to Manchester United earlier this year, is now exploring the possibility of a potential deal with Chelsea.

The Todd Boehly-led consortium, associated with Ares Management, is reportedly in discussions to provide investment at Stamford Bridge, and they are open to receiving a capital injection.

Ares Management has been actively increasing its involvement in the sports, media, and entertainment sector. Last year, they raised $3.7 billion (£3.2 billion) for investments in these industries, surpassing their original target of $1.5 billion.

Earlier this year, Ares was among several US firms that expressed interest in funding Manchester United while the Glazer family was exploring a potential sale of the club. Now, the firm is reportedly discussing making an offer for a deal with Chelsea. However, both Ares and Chelsea declined to comment on these discussions.

Chelsea is regularly approached by investors, and while the preference for Boehly and Clearlake Capital (part of the consortium) is believed to be an equity investment, there is no certainty that the club will agree to the deal.

If an agreement is reached, the investment would focus on “growth prospects,” including potential projects like a new stadium and the multi-club model.

Recently, Ares confirmed that they invested an additional $75 million (£58.8 million) into David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF after Lionel Messi’s arrival. They have also made investments in Atletico Madrid and Eagle Football Holdings, a multi-club owner that backs Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais.

Clearlake Capital and Boehly have already spent over £600 million on new players since they acquired Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in May of last year.

Over the past few years, there has been significant American investment interest in English football, with around half of the Premier League teams and at least 13 EFL clubs having substantial backing from US investors.

Notably, on Thursday, Tom Brady, the five-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback, was announced as a minority owner at Birmingham City.