CHELSEA could knock down Stamford Bridge and build a shiny new stadium on the existing site, reports claim.
Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali want the Blues to have one of the best arenas in Europe.
And fresh talks over their stadium project are currently being held, according to the Telegraph.
Although the earliest possible move in date for any potential plan is 2030.
The most likely option is said to be knocking down Stamford Bridge in order to build a brand new stadium on the same site, capable of holding at least 55,000 fans.
Other options include either redeveloping Stamford Bridge or relocating entirely.
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The current ground holds around 40,000 fans, which is less than all of the other ‘Big Six’ clubs can fit into their grounds.
While building a new stadium on the current site is said to be the most realistic option, the Telegraph say a final decision hasn’t been made.
But the report claims Chelsea must budget around £1.5billion for their stadium project.
The Blues are currently in talks with the Chelsea Pitch Owners [CPO] and waiting to see if they have been successful with a £50million bid to buy land next to Stamford Bridge.
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Buying the site, currently owned by housing association Stoll, would provide enough space to build a new stadium on the existing site.
Chair of the CPO Chris Isitt said: “The CPO is having positive talks with the club about redevelopment.
“We understand this is a complicated project which needs careful consideration, but we share the common aim, which is to have the best stadium in London.”
Building a new stadium on the current site is said to be the most popular vote among supporters and the CPO.
Knocking down The Bridge and rebuilding on the same site would reportedly take at least five years to complete.
During that time, the Blues would be forced to find somewhere else to play their home matches.
Wembley and Craven Cottage, home of Fulham, are said to be possible options.
Alternatively, relocating entirely would allow Chelsea to build an enormous new state-of-the-art stadium.
But it is thought to be the least popular option among fans, with owners Boehly and Clearlake Capital making it clear that relocation would only happen with the CPO’s approval.
The second most popular option among fans and the CPO is redeveloping the existing site, as Liverpool are currently doing with Anfield.
But, unlike the Reds, redeveloping Stamford Bridge could reportedly involve closing off parts of the stadium while stands are being rebuilt.
That would cause disruption to supporters on matchdays.
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The Telegraph say it would also take longer and could even be more expensive than building a new stadium on the current site, so remains unlikely.
Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea’s home since 1905 and building a new stadium on the current site, as former owner Roman Abramovich previously planned to do, is said to be the most likely option.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
