Manchester United, with stars like Wayne Rooney, has emerged as the world's richest soccer club for the eighth successive year in 2004.
According to a report, the club's income was an estimated 171.5 million pounds in 2003-2004.
Meanwhile, Chelsea - currently on course to win four trophies this season - look most likely to oust the No.2 ranked Real Madrid, which had an income of 156.3 million pounds.But Chelsea's success has come at a heavy price, with a pre-tax loss last year of 88 million pounds.
"Having devoured two thirds of Man United's revenue lead in one season, Chelsea will not think overall leadership is beyond them", The Sun quoted the Deloitte Football Money League report as saying.
AC Milan are No.3 while Arsenal, raking in 115 million pounds, climbed to the sixth position.
The Blues have shot up six places in soccer's rich list and are now in the No4 slot with a turnover that has rocketed a staggering 62 per cent from 93.1million pounds to 143.7 million pounds last season.
The top five richest clubs of the year are: Manchester United- 171.5 million pounds Real madrid- 156.3 million pounds Ac Milan- 147.2 million pounds Chelsea- 143.7 million pounds Juventus- 142.4 million pounds.