Transfer News: Chelsea show interest in Manchester City star Raheem Sterling
According to The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t The Express], Chelsea will battle Real Madrid for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The English international moved to The Etihad from Liverpool in 2015. While he has shown some moments of brilliance, it is fair to say that Sterling’s form has fallen off. He looks nowhere close to the youngster who threatened to take the world by storm while at Anfield.
At 27, Sterling is in his prime but has taken a subsidiary role under Pep Guardiola. He still made 47 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring 17 goals and assisting nine more across all competitions. Not a and return by any means.
Chelsea need a revamp of sorts this summer as they look to rebuild a side that fell short this season. One area that could do with reinforcement is the attack. Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have both been inconsistent and it remains to be seen if the Blues will bring in another winger.
Where to next for Sterling?
Sterling is a versatile player capable of playing anywhere along the frontline. He has also shown signs of stagnation and could do with a fresh start soon. With a point to prove, he might go on to rediscover his best.
Chelsea lack a reliable goalscorer to lead their line and this increases the pressure on the wingers and midfielders to make up the deficit. Sterling makes several good runs and is often clinical in the box. He could be a difference-maker for the Blues on the field.
At 27, Sterling needs to make a decision. His contract at The Etihad runs out in 2023 and he has also attracted attention from Real Madrid. Whether Los Blancos will play spoilsport or let Chelsea have a free run at him remains to be seen.
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Chelsea need reliable players who are proven at the top level and Sterling fits the bill. Whether we will make an early punt to land him soon remains to be seen but if we do, not a lot of our fans should be against it- given the Englishman’s quality and age profile.