CHELSEA bidders are seeking an “Anfield-style redevelopment” of Stamford Bridge – rather than a total rebuild.
Potential buyers have been shortlisted to four consortiums by The Raine Group in charge of the sale.
Of those remaining in the process, three have outlined their plans for Chelsea‘s traditional West London home.
According to the Telegraph, Sir Martin Broughton and Todd Boehly’s bids are hoping to redevelop the Bridge stand-by-stand like Liverpool have done with Anfield.
In 2014, the Reds began work upgrading their Main Stand – increasing the capacity by 8,500 seats while still being able to play at home as work went on.
Work has now begun on “phase two” of Anfield’s redevelopment – with the Anfield Road End set to be increased by a further 7,000.
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Broughton and Boehly are both reported to believe that the Blues could do something similar, by upgrading Stamford Bridge one stand at a time while not having to move to a temporary home.
Roman Abramovich previously obtained planning permission for a new “super stadium” at Stamford Bridge.
At the time it was suggested that the Blues would have to play at Wembley for three years while it was completed, while the build would cost £500million.
Experts now suggest that the plan would now cost treble that figure at £1.5bn, while it could actually take five years of playing elsewhere.
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The Ricketts Family Investment Group, meanwhile, have released an eight-point plan titled “We will” – with a pledge regarding Stamford Bridge at point six of their list.
It reads: “Explore every option to redevelop Stamford Bridge and do everything in our power to keep playing in this historic stadium.”
Not much is known about Stephen Pagliuca’s bid for the club, with the American reportedly tied by various “non-disclosure agreements”.
The Raine Group are set to be present the preferred bid to the Government during the week beginning April 18.
A takeover could therefore be completed by the end of the month.
