Chelsea have to walk away after Erik ten Hag’s demand involving Raheem Sterling

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Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen side are one of the clubs linked with a move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling this summer.

It’s quite obvious that Raheem Sterling, 30, doesn’t have a future at Chelsea. However, his situation still needs sorting because he’s under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2027 after returning from a season-long loan spell at Arsenal.

Apparently, Chelsea want £20m for Sterling this summer after putting him up for sale.

It is believed that Leverkusen and Juventus are interested in Sterling, which would give the Englishman a route into next season’s Champions League. Even though the Blues would rather sell the experienced winger, he may be allowed to go out on loan again for a second consecutive year.

• READ MORE: The Premier League club who have been ‘alerted’ to Raheem Sterling’s availability at Chelsea

Bayer Leverkusen could soon begin Raheem Sterling discussions

German club Leverkusen, managed by Erik ten Hag, are one of the teams mentioned as a potential suitor for Sterling. There’s a twist with their summer interest, though.

According to CaughtOffside, Leverkusen would only be prepared to sign Sterling on loan for the 2025/26 season, with a portion of his wages still to be paid by Chelsea.

The report adds that ‘talks’ could soon take place to try to find a compromise, but Leverkusen’s interest is still in its early stages.

Sterling certainly struggled to make a serious impact on loan with Arsenal last season. However, the 82-cap England international has enjoyed an incredible career, so he continues to attract interest from some major clubs.

Chelsea should block Raheem Sterling loan for now

We think every fan would agree that it would be so much better if Chelsea get rid of Sterling on a permanent basis this summer, especially because of his huge wages, which could be worth up to £325,000-a-week (The Sun).

With over a month still to go in the summer transfer window, the Blues should hold their nerve over Sterling. They should be asking Leverkusen and Ten Hag to come forward with some kind of permanent offer.

At the moment, the club’s sporting directors should be working on selling the experienced English attacker. If they run out of time, they could reconsider a loan in the latter stages of the window before the deadline cut-off on 1 September.

It’s certainly a tiring drill carrying all those unwanted individuals on the club’s books every season, so selling Sterling like they’ve done with Kepa Arrizabalaga should be the priority.