The talks between the two clubs have progressed in recent weeks, but no agreement has been reached yet, according to various British media outlets, including The Athletic and the BBC. The expectation is that Shakhtar Donetsk will announce a decision on this matter early next week.
Shakhtar Donetsk still needs to complete the necessary documentation and resolve issues related to security, tickets, and logistics. The use of Stamford Bridge also depends on authorizations from UEFA and the Hammersmith and Fulham council in London.
The Ukrainian team has also considered using other two venues in the region: Craven Cottage, home of Fulham, and the Community Stadium, home of Brentford. However, Stamford Bridge is the largest of the three and has a capacity to hold over 40,000 spectators.
This decision also has a symbolic component for Shakhtar Donetsk, which has not been able to play their European games in Donetsk, at the Donbas Arena, for over a decade due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The team has played their home games in other Ukrainian cities, as well as in Germany, Slovenia, and Poland.
Shakhtar Donetsk will play their Champions League games in the group stage, which is set to start in September. The draw for the group stage will take place on August 27.