Kieran Maguire: Chelsea close gap to rivals with ‘essential’ £50m deal
It is ‘absolutely essential’ for Chelsea to improve their matchday revenue after purchasing a £50million plot of land near Stamford Bridge.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Blues are currently ‘disadvantaged’ against their rivals because of their stadium capacity.
As revealed by Football Insider, Chelsea can advance their plans for stadium development after purchasing the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions site next to Stamford Bridge.
The Daily Mail revealed last May that the site was previously listed for £50million.
The purchase of the land allows Todd Boehly to begin renovating or redeveloping Stamford Bridge after pledging money to stadium investment following his takeover of the club last year.
Maguire believes Chelsea have a ‘long way to go’ before they can match the £100millon matchday revenue achieved by rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
“As far as Chelsea are concerned, they are in a disadvantaged position compared to their peer group,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“They have the fourth largest stadium in London, and their capacity is also lower than the likes of Newcastle United, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
“With the introduction of more complex financial fair play rules from Uefa and likely the Premier League, growing matchday income is absolutely essential.
“They have a long way to go before reaching the £100million mark for matchday revenue that has already been hit by Man United, Tottenham and Arsenal.
“Liverpool are also on the way with their expansion of Anfield.“
In other news, Big update on Chelsea beating Man City to Olise deal