The club is working with property development partner Almacantar in its bid to acquire the 39-acre Battersea site.

Chelsea face competition for the site with a decision on a new owner due within the next few months.

The move to a new stadium will not be popular with some fans and the club said: “We must also stress that making an offer for the Battersea Power Station site does not mean the club has made a definitive decision to leave Stamford Bridge.”

Chelsea chiefs have already ruled-out rebuilding Stamford Bridge because of the £600m cost of construction

The club’s architects have developed a plan to preserve all the significant aspects of Battersea Power Station.

The four iconic chimneys and wash towers along with the Grade II listed west turbine hall and control room will be restored and retained in their original locations and provide a unique architectural backdrop to a new stadium with a capacity of around 60,000 seats.

Initial plans include a 15,000-all seated one-tier stand behind the south goal, likely to be the biggest one-tier stand in football.

The stadium proposed is rectangular in shape with four separate stands. The design includes a bigger family area and more room for disabled supporters.

The development would also include a town centre with substantial street-level retail shops, affordable housing and office.

Chelsea would also make a significant contribution towards the Northern Line Extension.