Napoli director Giovanni Manna opens up on their pursuit of Chelsea flop Raheem Sterling; the Italian giants have ruled out a move.
Raheem Sterling’s future has been a big talking point for almost a year now. He was linked with a move away through the summer, but things didn’t go according to plan for him. Six months down the line, it’s the same story; the English international is yet to find himself a new club.
He has already parted ways with Chelsea. Both parties have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. While he is a free agent and is open to a move anywhere, a potential transfer is not that straightforward because of his massive wage demands.
Napoli’s director on their pursuit of Sterling
Napoli have been linked with him on quite a few occasions. The Naples-based club was being considered a potential destination. However, their director, Giovanni Manna, has ruled out a potential move for the 31-year-old.
While speaking to Sky Sports in Italy before Napoli’s Champions League clash against the London club, Manna said, “Raheem is very good, but he hasn’t been playing for a long time.
“We spoke with him during the summer but I see it as difficult right now, he has significant financial expectations.”
Sterling spent the last season out on loan at Arsenal in hopes of reviving his career. However, the reunion with Mikel Arteta didn’t really work out for him. Following his return to Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca had made it quite clear to him that he was no longer a part of their plans.
As a result, the club were ready to negotiate his departure last summer. Napoli had an interest in him back then. However, the Italian didn’t go all out to sign him. While they have been linked with him in the ongoing window as well, Manna has completely ruled out a move because of his significant financial expectations.
Sterling’s priority was to continue in London because of his family. However, he is now open to trying out different leagues as well. Since he is a free agent, multiple clubs will make moves, but he might have to settle for a pay cut to get back on the pitch.