Stephen Pagliuca, the co-owner of Boston Celtics and Atalanta BC, has confirmed his interest in buying Chelsea and vowed to provide funds for the club to ensure they continue to compete for trophies.
The 67-year-old billionaire is one of four candidates who are in the final stage of the bidding process for the Blues, with Raine Group overseeing the change of ownership from Roman Abramovich.
Pagliuca, who is also the co-chairman of American investment firm Bain Capital, has revealed in a statement that he is committed to his bid to buy Chelsea and aims to make 'strategic investments' if his wins the race to become the club's new owner.
"Throughout my life and career, my ethos has always been to operate quietly, with integrity, and let my actions and results speak loudly," Pagliuca told Sky News.
"However, it is imperative to clarify and assure supporters about our bid group and its commitments, to emphasise 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."
Pagliuca has also concurred with other bidders that he would never allow the Blues to be part of a proposed European Super League, adding: "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."
NBA chairman Larry Tanenbaum, Passport Capital founder John Burbank and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin are among the members backing Pagliuca's bid to buy Chelsea.
Oliver Thomas
