Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea prepare opening bid for Raheem Sterling after Thomas Tuchel makes contact with Man City star

Raheem Sterling celebrates a goal for Manchester City

Thomas Tuchel is in touch with Raheem Sterling as Chelsea prepare to make their first bid to sign the Manchester City forward, a report has revealed.

Sterling is entering the final year of his contract with Manchester City, whom he could leave this summer. Although there is interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, he could get the chance to remain in the Premier League.

Chelsea are showing a strong interest in the former Liverpool winger. They are aiming to offload striker flop Romelu Lukaku, but given the struggles of several centre-forwards at Stamford Bridge over the years, could opt to add a wide attacker instead.

In turn, Kai Havertz could continue to lead the line. Sterling could arrive to provide support in the attacking third, among the territory where the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are facing uncertain futures themselves.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea’s pursuit of the England international is now advancing. In fact, Blues boss Tuchel has made contact with his target, Sterling.

The next step will be for Chelsea to make their offer to Man City. The asking price is somewhere between £50m and £60m, although previous reports have suggested Chelsea could try to find a lower compromise.

It is believed that the Blues are working with an overall summer budget of £200m. However, there are several areas of their squad to strengthen – such as central defence – so they will need to spread their funds accordingly.

A move for Sterling could take up a large portion of their financial allocation. But for a player who has scored more than 100 Premier League goals, it is a deal Chelsea will be giving serious thought to.

Chelsea transfer could appeal to Sterling

They had been linked with Tuchel’s former Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele. However, the Frenchman now appears more likely to stay at Barcelona.

Raheem Sterling over Ousmane Dembele for Chelsea

Raheem Sterling over Ousmane Dembele for Chelsea

Chelsea believe that Raheem Sterling is the better option compared to Ousmane Dembele due to poor injury record

Hence, in Sterling, they have found an alternative target whom Tuchel is also a big fan of. The interest would be reciprocal if Chelsea can guarantee the 27-year-old regular gametime ahead of the winter World Cup.

Sterling would also find the move appetising if he feels Chelsea can compete for trophies. After all, he has won four Premier League titles and six other trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Soon, though, he could be trading a light-blue shirt for one of the darker variety.

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