Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Manchester City over a double deal for Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake.
According to Daily Telegraph, Chelsea are planning a sensational double raid for Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake. The duo is high on the list of those in charge of transfers at Stamford Bridge as new owner Todd Boehly explores the possibility of bringing them to the club.
Chelsea have shown signs of recovery from their recent turbulent period. The sanctions on former owner Roman Abramovich in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict affected their plans, and the west London club could not renew several high-profile players’ contracts.
The delay in proceedings mean key defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have departed from Stamford Bridge, adding the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for next season. Chelsea will have to find reasonable solutions to fill the void left by the duo while also considering bringing in reinforcements in the attack.
Raheem Sterling has been earmarked for arrival at Stamford Bridge, with the Manchester City winger emerging as a key target for Chelsea. New owner, Todd Boehly, has already discussed the possibility of the move and could prepare an offer in the coming days.
Along with Sterling, Boehly also wants Nathan Ake, with Chelsea in contact with Manchester City over a double deal. Thomas Tuchel has been keen on signing the Dutchman since his days with Borussia Dortmund and could look at him as a replacement for Rudiger on the left side of the back three.
Chelsea are also chasing Jules Kounde, but Sevilla have set a deadline for the Premier League club to complete a move. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt also features heavily on their shortlist, but Juventus’s huge asking price may force the Blues to cool their interest.
Sterling is free to leave Manchester City this summer after entering the last year of his deal at the Etihad. However, the Premier League champions are reportedly demanding a fee close to £60 million as Chelsea owner Boehly explores making an imminent offer. Sterling is reportedly open to joining Chelsea, as it allows him to play in the UEFA Champions League and continue winning trophies.
The 27-year-old English international will be a major coup for the Blues, who could also make a big statement of intent by signing Ake. Ake has not been a regular under Pep Guardiola in the last few seasons. And the former Chelsea defender is seeking regular game time ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and under current circumstances, Tuchel can offer him that.
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The Manchester City defender spent seven years at Stamford Bridge after joining the west London club as a 15-year-old. Ake considers a return favourable, and if Chelsea sign Sterling, they will be a strong force. However, whether they will match Manchester City’s expectedly huge asking price remains to be seen.