A MEGABUCKS associate of former President Donald Trump has launched an eleventh-hour offer for Chelsea FC.

Woody Johnson, the United States’ Ambassador to the United Kingdom until this year, has proposed £2 billion to acquire the West London club from sanctioned tycoon Roman Abramovich.

Woody, 74, expects to snare the agreement from Saudi Media Group by the deadline on Friday.

His £2 billion proposal is smaller than the Saudi Media Group’s £2.7 billion bid, but he feels he can win the day because of his London connections.

And, as a former US ambassador to the UK and 22-year owner of the New York Jets, he feels he can help the Blues break into the American market.

“What Chelsea need right now in terms of a new owner is longevity and stability,” a football insider told The Sun last night. Woody and his crew believe they can demonstrate this.

“He’s effectively operated the Jets and understands a lot about the sports world.”

“And he’s spent the last four years in London and is well-versed in the city.”

The 74-year-old, whose full name is Robert Wood Johnson and who is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical dynasty, is bidding from his family’s fortune, which is estimated to be worth £28 billion.

Other Chelsea contenders ahead of Friday’s deadline include Saudi Media, the Middle East’s largest media business, who submitted an offer on Monday, and a partnership fronted by London property billionaire Nick Candy, 49.

Sanctions imposed on current owner Roman Abramovich as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have hindered the transaction.

It practically implies that the Government will be in charge of any Stamford Bridge sale, which would almost certainly result in the club being sold for less than Abramovich’s £3 billion estimate.

Chelsea’s jersey sponsors Hyundai, telecoms provider Three, and food delivery partner Zapp have all boycotted the club this week.

Other Chelsea contenders ahead of Friday’s deadline include Saudi Media — the Middle East’s largest media business, who submitted an offer on Monday — and a partnership fronted by London property entrepreneur Nick Candy, 49.

The acquisition has been hindered by sanctions imposed on current owner Roman Abramovich as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It practically implies that the Government will be in charge of any Stamford Bridge sale, which would most likely result in the club being sold for less than Abramovich’s £3 billion estimate.

Chelsea’s top sponsors have boycotted the club this week, including jersey sponsors Hyundai, telecoms provider Three, and grocery delivery partner Zapp.

Suzanne, Woody’s 57-year-old wife and mother of his two kids, ages 15 and 13, is of Ukrainian descent.

She is also close to ex-President Trump’s wife, Melania.
Woody was chosen as Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom in 2017.