Report: Chelsea hold talks over leaving Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have held talks over leaving Stamford Bridge and building a new stadium at Earls Court, a report has revealed.

The Blues first hatched plans to develop Stamford Bridge back in 2014 under former owner Roman Abramovich, who suspended the effort four years later. The new owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have since reignited the search for an improved home.

Complications involving the development of the current site are believed to have seen the owners contemplate a move to a new site and The Guardian claim talks have been held over a move to Earls Court.

The Earl’s Court Development Committee already have plans for the site, however, and are due to present their proposal to local councils in the coming days, giving Chelsea a limited window to present a significant suggestion.

Another potential complication is the need for an agreement with the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), who own the freehold of Stamford Bridge and must approve any work done to the stadium. Chelsea have previously tried to buy this freehold under Abramovich but CPO shareholders voted against selling.

Chelsea have not yet made a formal decision on leaving Stamford Bridge and purchased a significant plot of land adjacent to the stadium earlier this year.

There has been very little progress in terms of the stadium redevelopment, which reports suggest has become a source of tension between Boehly and Clearlake.

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