‘Chelsea set for unexpected £20million Raheem Sterling boost’
Raheem Sterling is set to offer Chelsea a shock £20million financial boost this summer with an escape route on the cards.
Sterling moved to Chelsea in 2022 following a glittering spell with Manchester City that yielded 131 goals in 339 appearances and four Premier League titles among a host of other honours.
However, the 82-time England international just hasn’t had the desired effect at Stamford Bridge, posting a solid yet unspectacular 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 appearances for the Blues.
Last season, Sterling was loaned to London rivals Arsenal but cut a peripheral figure, playing just 1,143 minutes across his 28 appearances, managing only a single goal and five assists.
Champions League club chasing Raheem Sterling
Chelsea are spending big once again this summer, already bringing in the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap.
It’s clear Sterling doesn’t have a future at Stamford Bridge but is still only 30 years old, so can offer great value to the right team.
The forward still has two years left to run on his contract, so Chelsea will feel they can recoup some money in a sale.
And according to The Athletic, a Champions League club in Europe is keen to sign Sterling, who will be allowed to leave for £20m by Chelsea (22 July).
Sterling started pre-season training last week and will look to get sharp as quickly as possible for any potential suitor that comes along.
Raheem Sterling sale to help fund Xavi Simons push
Football Insider verdict
Any fee received for Sterling by Chelsea could be used to fund further signings.
In fact, Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed the Blues are seriously interested in signing Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons.
However, the 22-year-old won’t come cheap. Despite informing RB Leipzig of his desire to leave, it’s understood the German club will demand a fee in excess of £60m this summer.
What’s more, that price could skyrocket with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona also interested in Simons, though it’s thought the player would prefer a move to the Premier League.
Alongside Sterling, Chelsea will hope to raise funds for their Simons chase with the sales of Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku, who are wanted by former club Benfica and Premier League rivals Manchester United, respectively.
There’s never a dull moment at Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca seems well on his way to clearing out unwanted squad members and replacing them with younger, upwardly mobile stars as he seeks to move the club back into the Premier League title picture.