Chelsea deny plans to quit the Bridge

Chelsea on Sunday denied a newspaper report which claims the London club is planning a move to a new stadium.

A report in The Observer claims the Blues are set to quit Stamford Bridge for a new stadium with a retractable roof and room for 75,000 fans.

Designed by HOK Sports, the company which designed Wembley Stadium, Arsenal's Emirates and the north stand at the Bridge, the new stadium would be in Battersea in the borough of Wentworth, three miles from Chelsea's current home.

However a statement from Chelsea rubbished the report, adding that the club's priority was to look into the possibilities of redeveloping their current home.

“This story is total nonsense. Chelsea is not actively considering moving to this site in Battersea,” said a club statement.

“Chelsea has been linked with a whole host of high-profile sites in London before, including this one.

“We are approached on a regular basis by developers and others with a commercial interest in driving up the price of property.

“The architects HOK have not been commissioned by Chelsea to build a stadium and do not work for the club. Their approach was unsolicited.

“Chelsea's position on stadium development is very clear. We will not be considering moving away from our present stadium until all possibilities of redeveloping Stamford Bridge are exhausted.

“Most people are well aware of the difficulties involved in redeveloping Stamford Bridge.”