Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling is reportedly open to joining Chelsea this summer amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Raheem Sterling will have no qualms about joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The English international is a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Manchester City likely to demand between £50 million and £60 million for him.
Raheem Sterling is at a crossroads in his career, as he will enter the final year of his contract with Manchester City in July. The 27-year-o;d is coming off another solid season, as he amassed 17 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions in 2021/22.
But with talks between Sterling and Manchester City yet to advance, a summer departure from the Etihad could be on the cards for the English international. Such a situation has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea keen on signing him.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Ousmane Dembele. The French international could depart from Camp Nou as a free agent, with mere days left for the Blaugrana to tie him down to a new contract. And Sterling is a viable option to replace Dembele, especially with Barcelona struggling to match Leeds United’s valuation of Raphinha.
As for Real Madrid, Los Blancos might have to take a forced call of entering the market for a wide-attacker if Marco Asensio chooses to call time on his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. And Sterling’s versatility makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, the interest from Chelsea comes in the wake of the inconsistencies of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic. The three attackers’ futures at Stamford Bridge are up in the air, and at least one of them is expected to leave Chelsea this summer. Sterling is thus an option worth considering for the Blues.
Also Read: Three potential Ousmane Dembele replacements for Barcelona
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Sterling could now receive a boost, with the English international open to joining them, as per Daily Telegraph. Chelsea might also be able to afford to pay around £60 million for Sterling, but Barcelona and Real Madrid should have something to say on the matter.