Where Chelsea stand on Raheem Sterling transfer amid key Ousmane Dembele and Richarlison updates
The Blues have a number of big decisions to make as their attacking rebuild starts with the return of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan all but done.
Chelsea are currently ‘not’ close to signing Man City winger Raheem Sterling this summer, with Ousmane Dembele and Richarlison still viewed as viable options still by manager Thomas Tuchel in this revamp of the frontline.
Romelu Lukaku’s loan exit to Inter Milan is expected to trigger a flurry of transfer activity as Todd Boehly and Tuchel are set to get to work on their £200million squad rebuild which will involve the acquisition of key attacking and defensive players. It is understood that England international Sterling is the main attacking priority for Tuchel this summer, although no official talks have taken place so far between Chelsea and City. “There’s not anything close yet, but it’s possible,” Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told wettfreunde.
“Chelsea had some contact with intermediaries to explore this deal, and the answer was that their initial opening potential proposal of £25m + add-ons was definitely not enough to convince Manchester City. City wants to make a package of €100-€110m (£86m-£94m), with both Gabriel Jesus and Sterling, so they want way more for Raheem Sterling.”
One of the key stumbling blocks in this potential big summer deal is the price difference that both clubs have to agree upon. Chelsea want to reference Sadio Mane’s Bayern Munich move to justify their £35m offer whilst City want somewhere between £50-60m for a player who has entered the final year of his deal in east Manchester.
“But at the same time, I am told that Manchester City is prepared to let him go this summer,” Romano added on the situation. And the player will be open to joining Chelsea. That’s why it’s a possible deal.”
Whilst also pursuing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, who reportedly now wants to stay at the Camp Nou if the right contract is offered his way, the Blues hierarchy have been reportedly told by some senior players that Everton’s Richarlison should be signed.
Regardless of who is to be pursued in the end, the confirmation of the Lukaku move is vital to seeing any action being done. “I expect Chelsea to try again after they complete and sign the Romelu Lukaku to Inter deal, which is almost done,” Romano clarified. “They just need to announce it. I really feel this Sterling deal is a serious possibility for Chelsea. I think it’s possible, definitely.”
The timing of when the club-record signings nightmare is officially ended remains to be seen but his lawyer has suggested that there is still some work to do before both parties can move on in their separate directions ahead of 2022/23. “Still some time for official confirmation.” his lawyer Sebastien Ledure told Italian media late on Tuesday night.
