Chelsea are reportedly showing ‘firm interest’ in Premier League champion Raheem Sterling.
According to the Telegraph, the England star is considering leaving Manchester City, with the Blues increasingly intrigued by the prospect of bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
Sterling is currently on international duty, representing the Three Lions in the Nations League.
At club level though, the 27-year-old has excelled under Pep Guardiola, scoring 131 goals and assisting 95 in 339 games for City.
However, the outstanding attacking depth at the Etihad – added to by the signings of Erling Haland and Julian Alvarez – may have made the attacker’s mind up to leave, according to The Telegraph.
They say it is believed among Europe’s top clubs Sterling is ready for a new challenge, with Chelsea one of the clubs lining up a bid.
It is also claimed that, despite being offered to Spurs as part of a potential Harry Kane deal last year, the Englishman is unlikely to consider the club as a serious option this summer.
Arsenal have also been said to be keen, but that move seems unlikely, and Liverpool have other targets in play – like Darwin Nunez.
Therefore Chelsea are now considered the most ‘realistic’ English destination for Sterling if he is to move on.
One factor which could play into the Blues’ favour is the Englishman’s contract situation, as it is set to expire in just one year.
This could encourage the Premier League holders to listen to offers this summer, with City said to be looking for a fee in the region of £60m for the England star.
Sterling offers the ability to play on both sides of the attack to devastating effect. Former defender Jamie Carragher described the 27-year-old as ‘outstanding’ in 2020 and he has further impressed despite less game time this season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, spent the season desperate for a goal threat from the majority of their wingers.
Only one Blues man reached double digits in the league this season, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner not contributing regularly enough to mount a serious title push.