Chelsea "held talks with a Chinese company last week about a lucrative commercial partnership," according to Simon Johnson of the London EVENING STANDARD. There "has been talk that the investors were negotiating" over a potential £500M ($657.6M) deal that will "help provide funds for the rebuild of Stamford Bridge." While "such a sum" was reportedly not discussed, "it is another indication" of new Commercial Dir Chris Townsend’s "intent to increase the club’s portfolio of business partners." Townsend said that he is looking to double Chelsea’s revenue to around £650M ($855M) in the next few years to compete with Europe’s biggest clubs (
EVENING STANDARD, 11/9). THE SUN's Mike McGrath reported discussions held at Stamford Bridge, brokered by "one of the world’s biggest agents," were based on a "mega-money commercial deal that will help finance a new stadium." Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich "is not looking to sell a stake in the Blues but having investors means the club will not rely totally" on its owner’s funding. The businessmen from East Asia are reportedly willing to spend £500M to be part of the London club's future at its new home. They "are prepared to invest in plans to redevelop the Bridge, then get their money paid back" (
THE SUN, 11/9). ESPN.com's Liam Twomey reported sources said that Chelsea is "already exploring naming-rights agreements" for its redeveloped stadium, though it is yet to be decided whether "Stamford Bridge" would remain in the title of the ground. Chelsea is "also working to increase" its profile in the Far East. Japanese company Yokohama and Thai energy drink provider Carabao signed "lucrative deals" in '15 to sponsor Chelsea's playing kit and training gear, respectively, and former Chelsea player Frank Lampard is currently in Tokyo for a club visit celebrating the '16-17 EPL championship (
ESPN.com, 11/9).
