Manchester City has been contacted by Chelsea regarding a possible transfer of England forward Raheem Sterling. Sterling, who cost £49 million to acquire from Liverpool in 2015 and has 131 goals in 339 games, is a top target for Todd Boehly, the new owner of the Blues.
Chelsea are yet to make a move in the transfer market since the acquisition of a group led by Todd Boehly. Boehly and Clearlake shall have joint control and equal governance of the Club as per the conditions of the agreement. The holding company’s chair will be Boehly.
The redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, additional investment in the Academy, the Women’s Team, and Kingsmeadow stadium are key areas that Boehly and Clearlake are committed to funding, according to a statement from the club. The owners will also continue the crucial work of the Chelsea Foundation, which engages in a variety of charitable and community endeavours.
But the Blues will now have to rethink about their budget in the transfer market as the Citizens and the Reds have already made their moves in the transfer market and have strengthened their squads.
Chelsea leading the race to sign Raheem Sterling
Chelsea are thought to have not yet made an official offer for the 27-year-old, but one is soon anticipated. With one year left on his current Man City deal, Sterling is reportedly considering his alternatives. Having 77 England caps, Sterling has never hidden his desire to play as frequently as possible and be a key member of a squad that contends for major championships.
He might be the Blues’ first significant acquisition since being acquired by a group led by Boehly in May. After permitting Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian striker, to return to Inter Milan on a season-long loan, Chelsea are looking to strengthen its striking lineup.
Only Sergio Aguero (124) has scored more goals for City since Pep Guardiola took over as manager compared to Sterling (120). Last season, Sterling made 30 Premier League games and scored 13 goals, helping City win their fourth league championship and ninth major trophy overall.
He sat out both legs of Real Madrid’s Champions League semifinal loss and the thrilling season finale against Aston Villa, though. By going on to set up Ilkay Gundogan’s key opening goal as City battled back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 and edge Liverpool by a point, Sterling did shine on the final day.
However, Erling Haaland’s summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund seems to have changed the equation. The Norwegian is now likely to start, especially in the most important matches and Sterling might be most frequently used as a substitute.
Thus, it might be possible that the England international might wear a different colour in the next season.
Only Bernardo Silva of City’s attacking players started 33 Premier League games last season compared to Sterling’s 23. So we can see Raheem Sterling on his way out of the Etihad soon.