Sun say Abramovich has held talks with Chinese investors over new stadium

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has held talks with Chinese backers over a £500m investment to help fund a newly developed stadium, according to The Sun.

The newspaper say talks with the potential Far East investors took place last week at Stamford Bridge.

It reports that Abramovich is not looking to sell a stake in the club but that having investors on board would mean Chelsea are not totally reliant on his funding. 

It comes after speculation this week that Abramovich will become more involved at Chelsea following the departure of Michael Emenalo.

Embed from Getty Images

A number of potential candidates, including Blues legend Frank Lampard, have been linked with the job since Emenalo’s resignation as technical director this week.

But the Daily Mirror have suggested there might not be a direct replacement brought in and that Abramovich is ready to increase his day-to-day involvement.

It is thought that would also see influential director and so-called ‘transfer fixer’ Marina Granovskaia take more control.

The Guardian have also suggested Granovskaia’s influence will increase – and say Emenalo’s successor is likely to answer to her rather than Abramovich.

The Sun claimed Emenalo’s exit has put Blues boss Antonio Conte’s future in doubt because he was an ally of the Italian, while the Daily Express claimed Lampard was under consideration to replace Emenalo.