In a strange turn of events, The Sunday Times have reported that the London-based football club are talking with the Rugby Football Union over the move, while Stamford Bridge is expanded to a possible 60,000-seater stadium.

The temporary switch to Twickenham, the home of the English national Rugby team, seems like the best solution for the Blues right now, though the move couldn't take place until the 2016/17 season, with the ground hosting the Rugby World Cup in September and October next year.

Talks are not far in however, with the RFU telling the Sunday Times: "We have had an inquiry from Chelsea FC but have not had any discussions of any substance."

It has long been known that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich desires a bigger stadium, to house one of the best sides in Europe and over the last few years, numerous unsuccessful enquiries have been made to large sites in West London, the most famous being Battersea Power Station.

 In 2012, Chelsea released a statement regarding their reported £400m bid for the derelict power station: "We believe the prospect of developing a new stadium on the site could be very attractive for the club, and would have the potential to become one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, offering many benefits for London, and, of course, for Chelsea fans"

It wasn't to be however, as the reins of the site were handed to Malaysian company SP Setia, who manifested the construction of over 3,000 new houses and a shopping centre on the site.

Other options included Earls Court, the exhibition halls near West Brompton and just a stone's throw from Stamford Bridge, but the land-owners were quick to dismiss any offers made.

Abramovich appears to have exhausted all of his options and it looks like if he wants a bigger stadium with a 60,000+ capacity, a necessity to keep up with the most powerful sides in Europe, it will have to be through the refurbishment of Stamford Bridge. This idea has been talked about before, albeit not widely-welcomed, due to the cost being in excess of £600m.

The residents of Fulham are furious with the prospect as well, as it became apparent that the only way that Chelsea can realistically upgrade their stadium would be to buy out the surrounding area and demolish the houses. The locals have not taken kindly to this idea at all and are ready to reject any proposals put forward by the club.

It appears however, that Abramovich has no choice but to find another way to persuade the residents to part with their homes, as boosting the size of Stamford Bridge seems the only realistic way that Chelsea can have a larger stadium.

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About the author
Cian Woulfe
I am a keen enthusiast in both English and Dutch football, with Chelsea and Vitesse Arnhem the object of my desires. I also have a real soft spot for Rafael Nadal.