Premier League leader Chelsea has started inquiries over a possible season-long move to Twickenham stadium, so that they can expand Stamford Bridge, according to Rugby Football Union officers.
Last June, Chelsea announced a consultation to analyze the possibility of expanding their home turf, rather than relocating. The Blues apparently need a bigger stadium to generate better revenues and comply with the Financial Fair Play established by UEFA. The club's intention would be of expanding Stamford Bridge from its current capacity of 41,263 to 60,000 seats.
"We're investigating different scenarios as part of the consultation process we started earlier this year, but we still haven't held discussions of substance so far," a Chelsea spokesman said.
The Rugby Football Union acknowledged discussions of a possible Chelsea move in 2016, but stated that there have only been preliminary talks on this issue:
"While we don't comment on any specific confidential talks, we have had an official inquiry by Chelsea FC. Each request is taken on its merit, assessing a variety of factors, such as the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and other implications," given Twickenham is not licensed to host football games.
Twickenham can seat 82,000 fans, and has hosted other events apart from rugby, such as music concerts and rugby league games. If negotiations succeed, The Blues would not be able to move before the 2016-17 season, since the stadium will host ten Rugby World Cup matches in September and October 2015.
Twickenham stadium:
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