Premier League

ARNE SLOT left Goodison Park in a red haze amidst mayhem after James Tarkowski scored a stunning equaliser eight minutes into time added on.The Dutchman thought he was leaving the last ever Merseyside derby with a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.James Tarkowski rescued a point with a stunning volleyCredit: GettyTarkowski’s goal sparked crazy scenes at the Gwladys Street EndCredit: PAFans jumped over the advertising boards and celebrated on the pitchCredit: AFPTempers then flared at full-time involving Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis JonesCredit: PABoth players were given red cards for their involvement in the scrapCredit: ReutersStewards and police officers separated the playersCredit: GettyBut memories from his first and last visit to the home of Everton will not have been made of this.His furious rant at referee Michael Oliver earned him a red card, as he joined Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, Everton rival Abdoulaye Doucoure and assistant Sipke Hulshoff in being sent-off for being involved in a brawl after the final whistle.Before the game, Slot warned that one defeat can follow another no matter how good your team might be, following the shock FA Cup defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle.But after Mo Salah had produced what looked to be a 73rd minute winner, this will still feel like a loss, no matter the seven-point gap over second-placed Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDerbies anywhere can take a while to get going. Not this one. Right from the start ’till that wild end it was frantic, electric, pumped up.Five bookings by half-time. As Merseyside derbies went back in the good old days of Duncan Ferguson, Jamie Carragher, Graeme Sharp, Kenny Dalgish and Ian Rush – this was strictly old school in the Grand Old Lady’s back yard.Everton made it very clear that they were going for it and winger Jesper Lindstrom asked a serious question of the Liverpool defence with a cross – shot after as the kick-off dust had settled.By the eleventh minute he and his team-mates were celebrating thanks to Beto’s stunning opener – stunning, mainly, because Slot’s defence was caught stone cold.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCentral defender Jarrad Branthwaite sent forward a quick free-kick from 20 yards inside his own side’s half and the opposition rear guard had no answer.A striker who has spent most of his time derided as not good enough by the Everton support and very much back-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin – looked like a world-beater.Ibrahima Konate did not. He was left for dead by Beto’s run and so was Alisson who had charged off his line but could do nothing about the big striker’s composed right footed finish.It was the last thing Slot needed but with ten players returning to his side after Sunday’s defeat to Argyle, he knew that this line-up wouldn’t be bottling it, unlike the scratch side did at Home Park.Least of all Salah. He got the ball on the edge of the Everton box and sent over the most delicious of crosses. He was calm personified.Alexis Mac Allister read his intentions perfectly, moving forward to produce an impudent back-header that in the 16th minute found the far side of Jordan Pickford’s net before the England No 1 could even move.Beto opened the scoring from a well-worked free-kickCredit: AFPAlexis Mac Allister brilliantly guided a header beyond Jordan Pickford to make it 1-1Credit: APIliman Ndiaye then suffered a knee injury that left him in tears in a clash with Dominik Szoboszlai.The Senegalese winger has been a ray of hope for the Toffees all season, but he was distraught as he left the pitch, escorted by physios, covering his face in the pain that was clearly as emotional as physical.Still, Everton, three league wins in a row behind them since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, stood strong and none more so than Pickford and Tarkowski.Four minutes into time added on in the first-half, Szoboszlai let go with a vicious left footer that the keeper did very well to parry and as Luis Diaz moved in for the kill Tarkowski on his 100th Everton appearance, was there to nudge clear.Not long after the break Doucoure should have put his side ahead as he met Idrissa Gueye’s clipped cross but went for power, not placement and ended up holding his head in frustration.Connor Bradley, one of those cautioned in the first-half, looked like he was losing his clash with the Everton attacking midfielder and Slot replaced him with Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Ryan Gravenberch made way for Curtis Jones.Who, in the manner of the on-going feisty proceedings, was in referee Oliver’s book within 60 seconds for a lunge on Lindstrom.Everton were asking plenty of questions and with Beto barn-storming around, ably abetted by Doucoure, Virgil van Dijk and his fellow defenders came under more and more pressure.The mass brawl resulted in three red cardsCredit: GettyArne Slot was sent off after a confrontation with referee Michael OliverCredit: ReutersBranthwaite thought he’d put the Toffees ahead in the 68th minute as he smashed home but VAR correctly ruled he’d been offside in the build up.But no technology was needed as Salah scored – not that Liverpool deserved to leave Goodison with that satisfying bit of local history.But give Anfield’s Egyptian king an opportunity and almost always you can depend on him to take it.Jones, calmer now, fired in a shot off sub Darwin Nunez’s pass and while Pickford again did well to block, the ricochet flew straight to the last man he wanted to see, and goal number 27 of the season was clinically dispatched by Salah.What Slot couldn’t depend on was a defence that had looked jumpy all night.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite a four minute VAR check for a possible foul on Konate in the build-up to Tarkowski’s 98th minute howitzer, the goal stood and it sparked a pitch invasion.It sent Moyes’ resurgent side a step closer to safety – and Slot, amongst others, wild.Mo Salah scored his 22nd goal in the Prem this seasonCredit: GettySalah’s finish looked to have punished a wasteful EvertonCredit: Getty More

ENZO MARESCA has been dealt a blow with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for around six weeks.Chelsea’s main striker has suffered a significant hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again before April.Nicolas Jackson sustained an injury against West HamCredit: AlamyJackson was forced off early in the 2-1 win over West Ham on February 3.He missed last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Brighton, although boss Maresca claimed beforehand that the problem was not too bad.But a scan this week has shown it to be more serious than first thought and nine-goal Jackson now faces a spell on the sidelines.Chelsea are due back at Brighton on Friday for a Premier League game.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAfter the recent FA Cup clash with the Seagulls, Maresca admitted that Jackson’s absence severely hampered his team.Fellow striker Marc Guiu is also out for some time with a muscle problem, leaving Maresca facing a crisis up front.Christopher Nkunku deputised last weekend. He has scored 13 times this season but only two of those have come in the Premier League due to limited appearances.Chelsea are fourth in the table and are hopeful of securing a top four finish to guarantee a return to the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey also resume European competition in the Conference League next month, which is the club’s last remaining hope of silverware this seasonBut they will have to do so with their main striker on the treatment table.Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training More

LIVERPOOL fans poked fun at Everton with a cheeky away end banner.The Toffees welcomed their Merseyside rivals to Goodison Park for the final time ahead of their departure for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.Liverpool supporters held up a cheeky bannerCredit: AFPFans held up balloons depicting the last year that the Toffees won a trophyCredit: AFPA cheeky banner held up by away fans pointed to Everton’s lack of silverware in recent years.It read: “At least an empty cabinet is easier to move.”Fans also held up balloons with the numbers 30 and 1995, depicting how many years it’s been since Everton’s last trophy.The Toffees’ most recent silverware was the 1995 FA Cup, with Paul Rideout scoring the winner in the final against Manchester United.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEverton fans held up banners of their own, with one reading: “We built this city – since 1878.”It ended up being a fitting final Merseyside derby at Goodison with the thrilling contest ending 2-2.All hell broke loose after the final whistle as well, with Arne Slot being sent off and a huge brawl involving police breaking out.The Toffees have been based at Goodison Park since 1892, having previously played at Anfield.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton held up a banner of their ownCredit: AFPThey will move to their new £760million Bramley Moore Dock home at the start of next season.The stadium is set to hold 52,888 fans.ITV forced to apologise as Plymouth hero says ‘I f—ing love it’ TWICE live on air after shocking LiverpoolA “Farewell to Goodison” festival is set to take place between May 30 and June 1.The event is set to feature appearances from club legends, as well as live music.Goodison changeMeanwhile, the site of Goodison Park is set to be turned into 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units and affordable housing.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The Goodison Legacy Project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals.Beto celebrates firing Everton into the leadCredit: PA More

EVERTON star Iliman Ndiaye left the field in tears after picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.The 24-year-old appeared to hurt his knee after accidentally booting the ground before making contact with the ball.Iliman Ndiaye seemed to injure his knee after kicking the floorCredit: GettyNdiaye looked in severe pain as he received treatmentCredit: ReutersThe Everton star left the field in tearsCredit: GettyIdrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure consoled their team mateCredit: GettyNdiaye immediately fell to the ground and medics rushed on to the pitch to attend to him.There was a four-minute delay to the game as the attacking midfielder received treatment.A devastated Ndiaye trudged off the field then burst into tears and hid his face in his shirt.Team-mates Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, as well as Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, rushed over to console him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNdiaye was also applauded by Everton fans as he limped down the tunnel.The Senegalese ace was eventually replaced by Jack Harrison 25 minutes into the Merseyside derby with the score 1-1.There was concern for Ndiaye from the TNT Sports commentary box, with Ally McCoist saying: “I think Dominik Szoboszlai might have caught Ndiaye and that is what knocks him off balance.”He kicks the floor. He looks like he may just have tweaked his knee.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRio Ferdinand was equally worried, adding: “Sometimes you just know the severity of the injury when it is your own body. “You just hope the injury isn’t as bad as it seems right now.”It was a thrilling final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park which ultimately ended 2-2.After the full-time whistle all hell broke loose as a huge brawl broke out and Arne Slot was shown a red card.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt More

CHELSEA have all the hallmarks of one of the grandest football clubs in the world.Except for one major stumbling block.Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in world football with two Champions League titlesCredit: GettyStamford Bridge continues to be a constant headacheCredit: GettyPlans were drawn up and planning permission granted for this design in 2017Credit: Herzog & de MeuronThe stadium’s location in central London is a massive benefit and a huge drawbackCredit: AlamyBillionaire owner? Tick. Multiple Premier League titles? Tick.Two-time Champions League winners? Tick.Two £100million-plus transfer signings? Tick.READ MORE STADIUM STORIESAnd a world-class mega stadium to top it all of? Ah, that’s where the problem lies.Stamford Bridge is certainly an iconic stadium in English football but it first opened way back in 1877.But even with renovations at the beginning and end of the 20th century, its capacity is still limited to a mere 40,173 – making it only the 11th biggest football stadium in England (12th when Everton’s new ground opens later this year). Chelsea have been desperate to work out how to expand their home ground for years.Most read in FootballCould now be the time to finally make some progress and get on with increasing that underwhelming capacity? WHY NOW?Quite simply, Chelsea are falling behind.And not just behind their so-called ‘Big Six’ rivals.We all know about Arsenal and Tottenham’s 60,000-seater-plus grounds opened in the last 20 years in North London – the latter’s one of the most impressive in world football while the former is already subject to update plans.Anfield has undergone significant expansion work in recent years. Old Trafford may be crumbling and in dire need of modernising – or a complete rebuild – but it is massive.West Ham (62,500), Manchester City (52,900), Newcastle (52,258) and Aston Villa (42,918) all have bigger grounds than Chelsea – as do Championship side Sunderland (48,095).Everton are about to overtake Chelsea while neighbours Fulham have already updated their ground with a swanky new riverside stand which even features a swimming pool.Villa, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Manchester City, Forest and Leicester all have plans in the works to improve and enlarge their grounds, too. A dated Stamford Bridge lacks many of the facilities new stadiums can offer.But, crucially, a small ground means fewer corporate boxes and fewer seats so fewer tickets sold so fewer people buying drinks, food and merchandise on a matchday. And that means less money for the club – and in an age of Profit & Sustainability Rules, inflation and hiking transfer fees, that is revenue Todd Boehly and Co can ill-afford to miss out on. FAILED ATTEMPTSChelsea and improved stadium plans are nothing new – with three rather ambitious plans within the last 20 years.There was the “futuristic” 60,000-seater design images released in 2017 which led to comparisons to a Slinky and an egg slicer with its unique pattern from the architects who did both the Allianz Arena in Munich and Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium. The club did get planning permission at the time but it expired due to various delays and economic challenges. Before that, Chelsea failed in a bid to move into Battersea Power Station as it was instead converted into a luxury shopping centre. And former owner Roman Abramovich even had the crazy idea of building a stadium ON TOP of Waterloo Station over the existing network of train lines. Needless to say, none of those suggestions have come to pass and still Chelsea are stuck with their limited attendance figures. Chelsea did look into moving into Battersea Power StationCredit: Chelsea FCThe bid failed and instead a shopping centre filled the empty spaceCredit: Chelsea FCRoman Abramovich considered trying to build a stadium over Waterloo StationHISTORY OF STAMFORD BRIDGEA sports ground opened on the site of Stamford Bridge way back in 1877 for London Athletic Club, making it the oldest Premier League stadium and eighth oldest football stadium in the world.In 1904, the land was offered to Fulham and there were thoughts of selling up to Great Western Railway.But leaseholders Gus and Joseph Mears decided to stay put and in 1905 founded a football team instead – Chelsea Football Club. Ironically, there were plans back then to increase the capacity to 100,000 – albeit in the days before seated stands.Fast forward to the 1990s and Stamford Bridge was converted into the all-seater stadium of today with the original running track removed. So what could be the next stage of its development? Well, there are seemingly three main options – but all three are tricky…Stamford Bridge was first used as a sports ground in 1877Credit: Aero FilmsChelsea were founded in 1905 and made their home thereCredit: Ian CookIt is the oldest stadium in the Premier LeagueCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyVarious updates have taken place, including removing the old athletics trackCredit: PA:Press AssociationOPTION 1 – EXPANDOne suggestion would be to increase the capacity of the current Stamford Bridge stadium. Boehly has previous in this regard, immediately bankrolling renovations of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ baseball stadium after buying the franchise in 2012. He wasted little time in making plans to do something similar at Chelsea, appointing Janet Maire Smith to oversee the Stamford Bridge redevelopment in July 2022 after she did the Dodger Stadium, too. But expanding Chelsea’s ground is far more complicated for two reasons.Firstly, because of its location in central London in a built-up area full of houses, businesses, shops and two train lines which run directly past two sides of the ground.The only space not built on in the immediate vicinity is also off the table as it is Brompton Cemetry on the other side of the London Overground tracks. If they were to expand the current ground, Chelsea would want to make it worthwhile and therefore increase the number of seats to at least 50,000 – if not closer to 55,000 if possible.The other bizarre reason relates to King Henry VIII.The Tudor king has a mound in Richmond Park which has a “protected view” of St Paul’s Cathedral – and increasing the height of the Stamford Bridge stands would obscure that view.Chelsea could look to expand the capacity by digging down and lowering the stadium but that would be problematic with neighbours. So the reality is a so-called simple expansion is seemingly off the cards.Stamford Bridge is in a busy area in SW6Credit: GettyExpanding the existing stadium is no simple taskCredit: GettyKing Henry’s Mound has a direct ‘protected view’ to St Paul’s Cathedral with the blue framework of Stamford Bridge visible in direct lineCredit: AlamyOPTION 2 – REBUILDAnother option could be to knock down the current stadium and do a complete rebuild job – just like Tottenham. The Blues paid £80m in October 2023 for a 1.2-acre site adjacent to their current home. That land was purchased from Stoll, a charity providing supported housing to veterans.The idea is that Chelsea could use the current site and the acquired land to rotate the pitch by 90 degrees and revamp the entire stadium by creating a totally brand-new building with a minimum of 60,000 seats to compete with their London rivals. But as with the expansion issue, rebuilding a new Stamford Bridge on the same site will not be easy.There simply isn’t enough space to build a stadium like the new £1.2billion Spurs ground on the Stamford Bridge footprint – even with the extra land. Fitting a new stadium in their pocket of South-West London is a logistical nightmare, especially with the limitations of the roads and railways – let alone the years of construction work to make it a reality. All three exit routes out of Stamford Bridge currently lead on to Fulham Road and more fans would be overwhelming for the area – and the nearby Fulham Broadway tube station which is already overcrowded on matchdays. The current capacity stands at 40,173Credit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea bought a 1.2-acre plot of land adjacent to the stadium in October 2023Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThis map shows where the acquired site lies in relation to the stadium plotCredit: The SunStamford Bridge is surrounded by railway tracks on two sidesCredit: Getty Images – GettyOPTION 3 – NEW HOMEThe third option is to move away from the current site to a new home elsewhere. The big question is: where?Because, surprisingly enough, there are not many obvious choices for a massive, epic stadium in the heart of one of the world’s biggest and busiest cities. One suggestion was a move to Earl’s Court – just a mile up the road – where the Exhibition Centre stood until its demolition was completed in 2016. However, it looks as though they may have missed their chance.Grand plans from the Earls Court Development Company include 4,000 new homes, retail and office space, three culture and performance venues and an urban park… but crucially no football stadium. So if and when those plans are presented to the local councils and permission granted, that would end the Blues’ hopes.Chelsea are not giving up on the Earl’s Court site just yet, though, and may target Government funding to make it happen.Just like Manchester United who plan to knock down Old Trafford for a new 100,000-capacity ground using Treasury cash, the West Londoners could approach Whitehall with a similar proposal which would see the new homes built on Stamford Bridge’s current 14-acre plot – freeing up the Earl’s Court land for a world-class modern football venue.Even if Chelsea did try and build a stadium there, they would likely be forced out of Stamford Bridge while the building work is done due to the travel chaos and impact on the London Underground network. Chelsea Barracks and White City were both proposed then ruled out while there is still a glimmer of hope about securing the nearby Lillie Bridge depot site or even Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, which would require building a new hospital to replace the existing one. Earl’s Court is just a mile up the road from Stamford BridgeCredit: AlamyThe site of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre looks to be unavailableCredit: AlamyThe Earls Court Development Company laid out plans for housing, offices, retail space and a park but not a football stadiumCredit: ECDCChelsea and Westminster Hospital was suggested but would be a massive projectCredit: AlamySo a more plausible solution might be for the Blues to look further afield to source a suitable plot to build on – although that would mean Chelsea’s home ground no longer being in the Chelsea area of London.And that leads us on to another major problem – the curious case of the infamous Chelsea Pitch Owners. Amid financial turmoil in the 1990s, the CPO was formed in 1997 and they purchased the Stamford Bridge freehold, turnstiles, pitch and Chelsea Football Club Ltd naming rights to ensure the stadium could not be sold to property developers again – something that triggered the issues in the first place. They lease both the stadium and the name of the club back to Chelsea on the condition they continue to play at Stamford Bridge and are determined their beloved club do not leave their original home after 120 years. The CPO organisation is split into shares with no one permitted to have more than 100 votes.So if Chelsea did want to move, either permanently or temporarily, the fan group would need to vote with at least 76 per cent approval – or else they would need to find a new name for the football team. Also, because the CPO own the land where Stamford Bridge, they are effectively the landlords so would need to approve a rebuild on the same site, too. Abramovich did controversially try and buy the CPO in 2011 to kickstart a move away from Stamford Bridge but only received 60 per cent of the votes, meaning the CPO kept the freehold and the relationship with the club fractured. Boehly is making efforts to repair the damage done – but knows he is still at the mercy of the CPO for a Stamford Bridge rebuild or a move away to an alternative site.Whichever path Chelsea follow, they’ll want to build a stadium fit for the 21st Century which could see them construct a futuristic looking stadiumNo idea or concepts are off the table at this stageChelsea Pitch Owners hold the Stamford Bridge freehold, pitch and club nameCredit: GettyWHAT CAN FANS EXPECT?Clearly, none of the three options are absolutely suitable but with work on the current Stamford Bridge site so difficult, a new stadium in a new location seems the best bet – if the CPO give the green light.Having a new plot of land and a blank canvas would enable Chelsea to build a stadium entirely from scratch exactly how they want it, just like Arsenal did with the Emirates. That would mean free reign to create something spectacular – and as big as they want.If they did build a new ground, Chelsea would surely want it to be bigger than Arsenal’s or Tottenham’s – so realistically a minimum of 63,000 seats – and maybe even challenge Old Trafford’s 74,000 capacity. Tottenham’s new stadium is one of the best in the worldCredit: GettyArsenal are reaping the financial rewards of the 60,000-capacity Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyThe Bernabeu has undergone major renovation work in recent yearsCredit: GettyA stunning retractable roof is one of many incredible new featuresCredit: GettyAnd they would make certain it is a feat of sheer football stadium architectural brilliance. Potentially grand fan park experiences outside and record-breaking bars as well as the latest tech screens, renewable green energy sources, a unique quirky exterior, swanky dressing rooms, lots of corporate boxes and VIP suites, special stand designs to maximise the atmosphere and even a retractable roof.Who knows, they may even copy Fulham and add a swimming pool – or go even further with water slides, rollercoasters, zip wires and climbing walls.How about the Didier Drogba Diving Boards, the John Terry Golf Driving Range, the Cole Palmer Ice-Cold Rink or a curling lane with lessons from Michael Essien? Talk about entertainment!Chelsea may even take inspiration from Real Madrid and use the underground greenhouse method to split up the pitch and store it away when not in use – allowing the stadium to be used for concerts and other events easily without wrecking the playing surface. Fulham have installed a swimming pool in their new Riverside standCredit: Fulham FCCrystal Palace are among the Premier League clubs planning to update their groundCredit: CPFC.COMLeicester City released the designs of their ambitious expansionCredit: LCFC.COMThe King Power Stadium capacity will increase to 40,000 – almost identical to Chelsea’sCredit: LCFC.COMWHAT DO THE OWNERS WANT?It has been reported that Chelsea’s two key figures at the top are at loggerheads over what they want.Boehly’s first choice option would be to relocate – although he wanted the Earl’s Court spot that appears no longer viable.SunSport revealed Behdad Eghbali, however, prefers the idea of renovating the current Stamford Bridge site up to around 55,000 seats. Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have opposing views on what Chelsea should doCredit: GettyHOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE?That’s another big issue because whichever option Chelsea ultimately decide to take, it would be a long project and will not be done by 2030. It is thought a complete rebuild of the current Stamford Bridge stadium could even take as long as seven years. That may mean being forced to play home games away from Chelsea for half a decade or more – if the CPO allow – which would take its toll on the fanbase’s morale and connection to their team. Both Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium took around four to five years to build on the existing stadium sites while the Emirates was much quicker – approximately two years – as they did not have to work around Highbury. Ironically, redeveloping each stand at Stamford Bridge one at a time could allow the Blues to stay put throughout the process – but it would likely take even longer to get it done. WHERE WOULD CHELSEA PLAY?The two most plausible projects would take years and force the Blues to relocate, just like Tottenham did when they took up temporary residence at Wembley. Even though it is roughly an hour away from Chelsea, Wembley could again be used and is probably the best pick as a ready-made world-class football facility. Craven Cottage would barely house all 28,000 season ticket holders and neighbours Fulham may not be too keen on helping the Blues out – even if they charged Chelsea big rent.That leaves Twickenham, the home of rugby, as the only realistic other option thanks to its 82,000 capacity and location in South-West London – albeit eight miles out of town. Tottenham played at Wembley while White Hart Lane was redoneCredit: Getty Images – GettyTwickenham could be another option due to its size and locationCredit: GettyAND THE COST?A lot of money. An expansion of the current stadium could be as much as £600m. But with that possibility all but ruled out, the other options are the complete rebuild on site or finding and building a stadium elsewhere. Ironically, the option to move may be slightly cheaper at around £1.5bn while a full overhaul of Stamford Bridge would be closer to £1.6bn.The 2017 rebuild plans which got planning permission were estimated to cost around £500m – but that figure has since skyrocketed with inflation and other financial factors.When the Clearlake Capital new owners arrived with their £4.25bn takeover in 2022, £1.75bn of that was pledged to invest into various projects including work on the stadium. They have also started drumming up investments with American firm Ares agreeing to a £400m injection. IS IT WORTH IT?For every home match Chelsea play at the current Stamford Bridge, they are missing out on millions of pounds compared to their rivals. Their estimated matchday revenue per game stood at £2.07m in 2022-23.That is £870,000 less than Spurs, £1.03m less than Arsenal and £1.85m less than Manchester United per match – which quickly adds up over the course of a season with 19 Premier League home fixtures plus cup ties. The latest Deloitte Football Money League reported Chelsea’s overall revenue dropped seven per cent in the 2023-24 season to £457m – tenth in the world but behind the rest of the ‘Big Six’ – with £78m coming from matchday revenue. Arsenal’s matchday revenue was £128m – £50m more than the Blues’. So with that in mind, in the long run, increasing the capacity is a guaranteed way to increase matchday revenue for Chelsea and boost their finances. SO, WILL IT HAPPEN?Well, that is the multi-billion-dollar question. Chelsea are very much stuck between lots of rocks and a plethora of hard places – plus those two train lines and the hidden power of the CPO. Ultimately, if Chelsea want to maintain their status as one of the Premier League – and the world’s – biggest and most successful clubs, they need to improve and increase their stadium or they will, over time, get left behind. So something will have to give. It will not come cheap, it will not get done anytime soon and it will not be easy. But Chelsea know Stamford Bridge in its current state is not a long-term option.READ MORE SUN STORIESRenovating it or moving elsewhere both have their fair share of drawbacks – and whatever they decide will undoubtedly leave many fans angry. But watching their club regress because of the limitations of Stamford Bridge may well leave them even more upset.  More

FOOTAGE of Arsenal star Kai Havertz limping away from training has emerged.The German, 25, was ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing his hamstring while at the Gunners’ training camp in Dubai.Kai Havertz was spotted limping out of trainingCredit: X/iokmmHavertz, 25, was taking part in Arsenal’s training camp in DubaiCredit: GettyIt is not yet clear whether Havertz will require surgery, but his focus will now be on trying to be ready for the start of next season.In footage circulating online, the forward can be seen gingerly walking towards the car park, still wearing his training gear.The injury is said to have occurred on Monday.Havertz has scored nine goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season, while also laying on three assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joins Arsenal’s lengthening injury list.Gabriel Martinelli limped out of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle last week.While Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka remain long-term absentees.Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard are now the only recognised attacking players fit and available to boss Mikel Arteta.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAlthough it has been speculated that midfielder Mikel Merino could be tried as a makeshift forward.While academy players Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia and Khayon Edwards may enter Arteta’s thinking.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsArsenal headed to Dubai for their annual warm weather training trip last Thursday.Crocked stars Ben White and Saka were able to join their team-mates on the training camp, as they both step up their respective injury recoveries.Bukayo Saka joined Arsenal on their trip to DubaiCredit: Getty More