Raheem Sterling is looking for a move away from Chelsea after disappointing on loan at Arsenal.
Raheem Sterling looks set to leave Chelsea this summer – but a staggering transfer fee could scare away potential buyers.
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Sterling signed for Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5 million, but has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and spent last season on loan at Arsenal. The 30-year-old made 28 appearances for the Gunners and scored just once before returning to his parent club.
With Chelsea’s big investment in attacking players, Sterling’s chances of playing time under Enzo Maresca are slim this season. He has reportedly been put on the transfer list with two years left on his contract. Other players who could leave the club include Ben Chilwell, João Félix and Axel Disasi. The four players are now training separately from the first team at Cobham.
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A Chelsea team played Bromley today, but Sterling was not involved as the club wants to sell him and release his weekly salary of £325,000. According to Sky, it will cost Chelsea £30 million to pay out in the final two years of Sterling’s contract, so they are hoping for a transfer that saves them this expense and at the same time gives part of the investment back.
The report even claims that Chelsea want up to £20 million for the winger – although there is an acknowledgement that this will be difficult to achieve. It adds that only a club from Saudi Arabia can be willing to match Sterling’s salary, and that he would have to take a pay cut anyway.
Fans on social media reacted with disbelief. One user said: “No one is paying £20 million for Sterling – even in this market.” Another said: “The only clubs that would pay it are in MLS, Saudi Arabia or Qatar.” Several fans thought the Saudi Pro League was Sterling’s best opportunity, while one thought he was only worth £10 million after his weaknesses at Arsenal.
“Nobody pays £20 million after the season he had at Arsenal,” said one spectator, while another pointed out that his salary could scare away interested parties.
