Why Chelsea are so desperate to sell Raheem Sterling before the transfer window closes

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Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea career is over after Enzo Maresca confirmed on Wednesday that the winger is not in his plans.

It comes after Raheem Sterling was left out of Chelsea‘s Premier League opener against Manchester City last weekend, which resulted in his camp releasing a statement asking for clarity on his future.

Sterling now wants to leave Chelsea, who have effectively replaced him with the additions of Joao Felix and Pedro Neto.

The Blues announced the signing of Felix from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with the forward returning to the club for a second spell.

• READ MORE: Graeme Souness names the only place Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling can move to this summer

Chelsea’s motives behind wanting to get rid of Raheem Sterling

Quite frankly, Chelsea have too many attacking options right now. As well as Felix and Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk can also play on the left.

When you consider that, it is no surprise that the club are having to sacrifice Sterling. However, the above is not the only reason why they are keen to offload him before the transfer window closes.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea’s desire to sell Sterling is also motivated by finances, with the 29-year-old being the joint-highest earner at Stamford Bridge.

As per Spotrac, both Sterling and Romelu Lukaku are pocketing £325,000-a-week. The Blues will be desperate to get the pair off their wage books, with Aston Villa interested in Sterling.

Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea shirt number taken

Last season, Sterling wore the No.7 shirt. However, that has now been taken off him and handed to new signing Neto.

There is surely no way back for him after that, and it will now be interesting to see which club the England international ends up joining.

As well as Villa, Juventus are also keen on Sterling, so the Allianz Stadium could be another potential destination for him.

Not too many Chelsea fans will be disappointed to see Sterling go. The former City star only managed to score eight goals in 31 league appearances last term, while the club now have Felix and Neto.