Chelsea's proposed move to a new stadium at Earl's Court edged closer to becoming formalised this week, as, according to reports in the Telegraph, members of the club's board met with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to discuss the plans.
The meeting came after Khan had openly urged the club to come and discuss their stadium plans with him back in April. At the time, the Mayor said:
“My message to Chelsea is to come and speak to us in relation to what you want to do. Chelsea are the victims of their success, and Stamford Bridge is now too small for them. After all, this is a team that has twice won the Champions League.
“I'm sure Chelsea look with some envy at the stadiums some of their rivals in London have. We're really keen to make sure that Chelsea continue to flourish and thrive, so we're open to talking to Chelsea about what plans they have.”
Chelsea look for an increased capacity
Key shareholders at the club have also been open about their desire to increase their capacity in recent years. Stamford Bridge is at risk of being left behind by other clubs in the country with a capacity of 40,173.
While many fans would like the club to just expand Stamford Bridge, there are logistical problems with that. As a result, they are considering a move, and Earl's Court has long been earmarked as that place, going back to the days when Roman Abramovich was the owner.
In May, one shareholder, Hansjorg Wyss, reiterated this stance, telling Chelsea Fan TV that ‘the Earls' Court site would suit the club best' and that it is the ‘best option we can think of'.
FGG says: A significant step
There has been a lot of back and forth over this debacle since Todd Boehly took the reins at Stamford Bridge, and the American even suggested earlier this year that the issue could force him to sell up if it isn't resolved soon. The meeting with Khan suggests we could have movement one way or the other imminently.