BBC reporter Nizar Kinsella discussed the club's stadium reconstruction plan and signings. How are Chelsea’s stadium plans progressing? Are you planning to move to Earls Court or expand Stamford Bridge? When can this be achieved? Nizar replied:...
BBC reporter Nizar Kinsella discussed the club's stadium reconstruction plan and signings.
How are Chelsea’s stadium plans progressing? Are you planning to move to Earls Court or expand Stamford Bridge? When can this be achieved?
Nizar replied: Stamford Bridge expansion is more likely, but there is still a chance to secure land controlled by Earls Court Development Corporation (ECDC). Planning permission is expected to be granted by the ECDC by the end of 2025, which will completely rule out the possibility of Chelsea moving to a new site and selling valuable land at Stamford Bridge. With no other suitable large-scale sites in west London on which to build a major stadium, the club could only focus on the redevelopment of the existing site. Club president Jason Gannon is leading a team planning the project. I expect there may be a formal announcement in 2026 to start this process.
Regarding the Blues’ potential transfer plans in January, why haven’t we heard about the renewed pursuit of Marc Gueye? Wouldn't it make perfect sense to bring him in in January given the ongoing injury issues at the back?
Nizar replied: After Liverpool's move on the transfer deadline failed, all possibilities are reopened. Clubs across Europe are likely to try to sign Gueye, who has less than a year left on his Crystal Palace contract. We know Chelsea's hierarchy are aware of his quality, but with Trevor Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo set to return after the international break, I don't think injuries will be a deciding factor. The key will be whether Chelsea's project appeals to Gueye and whether they will make an offer, while also considering whether he fits the team's needs. I don't expect any news anytime soon.
Chelsea had explored the possibility of signing defenders, most notably Huizen, before Levi Colwell was injured in the summer, but they ended up signing Jorel Hutto from Ajax and wanted to give academy product Josh Achepon more opportunities. In addition, they have other young players developing, including Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino, who is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, and their future development is also taken into consideration.
Is Chelsea looking for a new goalkeeper in January?
Nizar answered: Chelsea has funds to invest in January, but is currently satisfied with the current lineup and will only sign players who can lead the club to the next level. They had explored the opportunity to sign Mike Maignan but considered AC Milan's asking price of £25m too high and gave up. Of course, that price may drop in January, but the Blues are generally pleased with the performance of Roberto Sanchez, who won the Golden Glove at the Club World Cup, and are not expected to return to the market.
Young goalkeeper Mike Panders is also at the club, and his future is also a factor that needs to be considered.
