Bird's Nest architects 'to build new Stamford Bridge' for Chelsea

The Architects Journal reports that Herzog & de Meuron, a firm of Swiss architects based in Basel, is drafting plans for a new home for the Blues. London-based Lifshchutz Davidson Sandilands is also believed to be working on the project.

Chelsea had looked into the possibility of relocating to several spots across London, including Earls Court, White City and Battersea Power Station, but after all those ideas ran into problems they are currently expected to focus on a redevelopment of Stamford Bridge that would rebuild the ground as a 60,000-capacity stadium.

Last summer Chelsea announced that they are conducting a feasibility study into expanding their current home, with possibilities including a network of walkways and cycle paths around the stadium to ease access to the ground on match days.

The Blues present capacity of 41,837 has long been an issue for the club. It is barely more than half Old Trafford's 75,000, while Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is nearly half as big again with 60,000 seats.

As Financial Fair Play rules start to hit home among the European football elite, increasing capacity - and with it, revenue - has become a huge priority for Chelsea as they are obliged to balance their books. Neutrals and romantics will always be slightly sad that Battersea's stunning old power station, just across the river from Chelsea, won't be the new home for the club, but fans will no doubt be happy to stay put.

Sticking with Chelsea's city location presents huge logistical problems, but the architects who have been brought in are responsible for perhaps the two most extraordinary stadiums of our generation. West London will be lucky if it gains a new landmark even half as striking.