Champions League remains Holy Grail for Chelsea
Unveiling state-of-the-art training facilities for homegrown and international players is part of the wider scheme, as is looking at ways to increase the capacity of their stadium, yet Kenyon has underlined the importance of success in Europe’s elite competition.
“To achieve our objectives of being one of the global clubs, you have to win the Champions League,” said Kenyon. “Within that period you have to do it, and probably more than once. That is a big challenge.”
“What has been achieved in the last three years has all been in the right direction.”
Also in Kenyon’s sights is regaining the Premier League title from Manchester United, who have invested heavily this summer compared with Chelsea’s recruitment of Steve Sidwell, Claudio Pizarro and Tal Ben Haim.
Brazil defender Alex and France winger Florent Malouda are expected to join the squad soon.
Kenyon wants to complete the signing of Malouda from Lyon before leaving for the pre-season tour of America next week.
He has been in contact with the French club over the 26-year-old winger, but insists a deal would not lead to the departure of Arjen Robben.
After featuring in the World Cup for France a year ago, Lyon promised to listen to offers for Malouda and he is valued at upwards of ÂŁ12 million.
“We’ve been in dialogue with Lyon and we’re looking to conclude that,” said Kenyon. “It would be nice to conclude that before we go to Los Angeles.”
Kenyon went on: “I know everyone at Chelsea and all the players are absolutely intent on getting the Premier League back again,” said Kenyon. “But the Champions League is the Holy Grail to move the club on and the players’ careers. Everyone’s after it.
“I don’t think you can do it without money, but there is a lot more to it.”
The new training facilities in Cobham, Surrey, are part of the plan for Chelsea eventually to become self-sufficient rather than reliant on billionaire owner Abramovich.
Kenyon, however, believes work on the 140-acre training site shows the Russian’s long-term plans for the club. Abramovich was in Surrey to unveil the training headquarters.
“The total investment in the club is about £350 million. The headlines are about the players but there have been upgrades at Stamford Bridge and this new facility.
Part of the plan is for Chelsea to have a core of English players in the first team, although contract negotiations with Frank Lampard and John Terry are ongoing.
Meanwhile Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes there is a good chance Chelsea winger Arjen Robben will join them this summer.
The Holland international has been a target of the Spanish champions for the past year.
Should Chelsea refuse to sell Robben, Madrid could also join the race for Malouda.
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