Kieran Maguire: ‘Premier League will have their eyes on’ advanced mega-money new Chelsea deal
Chelsea may have issues striking a minority investment deal with Ares Management because of their ownership links to Crystal Palace.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about potential issues that could arise in Chelsea’s search for investment.
As reported by Bloomberg, the Blues are looking to raise as much as £395million ($500million) in capital after an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.
The London club spent heavily on new players since the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly, including an additional £300million spent this summer.
The Financial Times report that Chelsea have held talks with US-based group Ares Management over possible investment opportunities.
However, Ares Management have invested in Eagle Football Holdings, who own a 40 per cent stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Because of the Premier League’s strict ownership rules and possible conflict of interest, Maguire explains that Ares’ Palace investment could limit the stake they can acquire at Chelsea.
“The threshold through which independent owners are scrutinised is usually in the 25-30 per cent area,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“So a lot depends on whether Ares management buys a significant minority stake in Chelsea.
“That stake would have to be below the threshold if they do own or part-own 40 per cent of Crystal Palace’s stakes.
“So there will be a lot of work for accountants and lawyers as always, and the Premier League will have their eyes on it and will be occupied by it if it progresses further.“
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