Champions League club already make contact for Raheem Sterling signing after Chelsea exit
Raheem Sterling may not be without a club for long after the veteran winger parted ways with Chelsea as a free agent.
Sterling responded just minutes after the news, taking to social media with a message of positivity, and several clubs are likely lining up for his signature in the Premier League and around Europe.
The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal, where he failed to really prove himself under Mikel Arteta, but things were expected to be different after the change of managers at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Rosenior said he had talks planned with Sterling and Axel Disasi, but it appears that only the latter could have a future in West London as the former Derby County boss makes changes.
A new update has already emerged, just two hours after his exit was confirmed.
Napoli make early move for the signing of Raheem Sterling
According to trusted journalist Fabrice Hawkins (28 January), Napoli have already made contact with the player’s representatives, with several clubs looking at signing the former Man City winger.
It is understood that the competition for his signature is “fierce”, despite his struggles over the last few seasons, ever since being shunned away from the Etihad Stadium by Pep Guardiola.
West Ham are one team interested in Sterling, alongside Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Tottenham, but it appears far more likely that Serie A could be calling his name.
Of course, with the player now a free agent, clubs do not need to be worried about getting a deal done before the winter transfer window closes, only about other teams coming in for a deal.
What has Sterling said about his future?
The veteran winger has not let a lot slip about his future after leaving Stamford Bridge, but as already stated, he is keen to remain positive about his next steps.
Taking to social media just minutes after the news, he wrote, “All eyes on the future. God is great,” with a praying emoji. He is clearly trying to put his time at Stamford Bridge behind him.
In two seasons with the Blues, he notched 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances – hardly poor stats for someone exiled from the squad by Enzo Maresca.
However, the star was lauded during his time with Man City, where he recorded 131 goals and 74 assists during seven years with the club, and everything has come crumbling down since his departure.
It has been a sad end to an incredible career, but there could be more to come.