‘Chelsea face big stadium issue after new reveal’ – Stefan Borson
Chelsea’s owners are yet to confirm the club’s future stadium plans as they consider various options to increase their capacity.
The London giants are deciding whether or not to leave Stamford Bridge, with Earl’s Court viewed as a possible location for a new facility.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has admitted the club’s owners could go their separate ways if they can’t agree on their stadium plans.
The Times reported on 28 April the Rugby Football Union would be open to the lucrative prospect of hosting Chelsea games at Twickenham during the potential redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the “big” issue for the club would be paying for two stadiums at the same time.
Stamford Bridge has a capacity of 40,173, while Twickenham – currently known as the Allianz Stadium for sponsorship reasons – can host up to 82,000.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Everton have all made moves to increase capacity in recent times.
Chelsea could face long delay after stadium twist
Borson revealed Chelsea could face up to four years playing away from Stamford Bridge if they decide to push forward with their redevelopment plans.
He told Football Insider: “Twickenham seems to me to be a workable solution if the pitch is of the necessary quality for football.
“I don’t know enough about pitch technology. It could well be that it’s not quite right, but let’s say it is.
“I don’t know what happens to the pitch for the various rugby internationals that are played on it for rugby.
“I don’t know how easy it is to fix the pitch after an international or two. But they’ve also got the Wembley option as well.
“The big issue with that is that you’re effectively paying for two stadiums at the same time.
“I would think it’s going to take three to four years to build a new stadium.
“It’s a long time to be out of the stadium at Twickenham or wherever else.”
| Club (Stadium) | Capacity |
| Man United (Old Trafford) | 74,197 |
| Tottenham (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) | 62,850 |
| West Ham (London Stadium) | 62,500 |
| Liverpool (Anfield) | 61,276 |
| Arsenal (Emirates Stadium) | 60,704 |
| Man City (Etihad Stadium) | 52,900 |
| Newcastle (St James’ Park) | 52,258 |
| Aston Villa (Villa Park) | 42,918 |
| Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) | 40,173 |
| Everton (Goodison Park) | 39,572 |
Chelsea lead Liverpool in race to sign Jamie Gittens
In terms of on-field matters, recruitment expert Mick Brown told Football Insider Chelsea are leading Liverpool in the race to sign Jamie Gittens ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old is widely expected to return to the Premier League this summer after leaving Manchester City in 2020.
The England Under-21 international has registered 12 goals and five assists in 46 appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season.
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