The Blues are constantly trying to improve their infrastructural situation. One of the richest clubs in the world has to play in a facility whose capacity is clearly not up to the expectations of both officials and supporters of the Londoners. New reports have just emerged that herald a breakthrough in the upgrading of Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are said to have secured £407m from US hedge fund Ares Management to fund a potential stadium project. ESPN reports that the the Blues are close to a deal with Ares after meeting with several potential investors. The funds would go towards either a major redevelopment of Stamford Bridge or building a new stadium from scratch.

Other areas of investment targeted by Chelsea owners include the redevelopment of the club's Cobham training ground and the expansion of the group's plans for a multi-club plans. In July, Chelsea's hopes of redeveloping Stamford Bridge gained momentum after the club agreed on details of the purchase of land next to the stadium. The site is owned by Stoll, a company that provides housing for veterans.

© Brent Flanders (cc: by-nc-nd)

The 1.2 acre plot is located to the west of the stadium, close to Fulham Broadway tube station. The acquisition of the land by the Premier League club will facilitate a major redevelopment of their home arena. Stoll said it had agreed to sell the majority of the site to Chelsea, subject to a consultation with local residents which ended on Wednesday September 20.

In March, reports emerged that Londoners were considering building a new £2bn stadium on the site where Stamford Bridge stands, with the club potentially set to move to a temporary home for four years while work is carried out.

With a capacity of around 40,000, Stamford Bridge is the smallest stadium of the Premier League's 'big six'. Owner Todd Boehly, who finalised his takeover of Chelsea in May last year, has made redevelopment of the stadium a key priority.

Chelsea are still undecided whether to rebuild Stamford Bridge or construct a new facility. Earlier reports suggested that the club was considering building a new 60,000-seat stadium at Earl's Court, but in March the company overseeing the redevelopment of the ground categorically denied reports that it was in talks with Chelsea. Stamford Bridge has been the home of the Blues since 1905.

© Brent Flanders (cc: by-nc-nd)