Raheem
Sterling is managing talks over his future, but no decision has been made
yet, with Chelsea expected to act on their interest once Romelu Lukaku's
loan to Inter Milan has been completed.
The England international enters the final year of his contract at the
Etihad, and at 27, is carefully considering what he believes is the defining
stage of his career.
Chelsea have yet to open any formal dialogue with Sterling, who is one of
their primary targets.
Sterling feels he hasn't reached his ceiling and can still elevate his game,
which can only be achieved if he is viewed as a decisive contributor in the
starting XI - especially in the context of the biggest matches.
That status has receded at City, but deep mutual respect remains between the
player and the club. He has respectfully asked for time to fully assess what
kind of role he holds in Pep Guardiola's plans moving forward.
Sterling is desperate to make a significant contribution wherever he plays
and has been honest that he does not want a bit-part function and thrives on
being given responsibility on and off the pitch.
Talks with City have been very professional, and cordial and it is
understood that the club will not stand in his way if he chooses to move on
and they receive an appropriate fee.
Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of Sterling, who represents an upgrade on many
of his current options in the final third and possesses tactical dexterity.
Sterling could cure Chelsea's scoring issues, having posted double figures
in the Premier League in each of his last five seasons. He has proven to be
a creative force too, first at Liverpool and then City, directly
contributing a combined 165 goals in the division in 320 appearances for
both.
Chelsea are not alone in monitoring Sterling with Real Madrid and Barcelona
checking on his situation. Bayern Munich had considered him as an
alternative to Sadio Mane with Julian Nagelsmann publicly declaring his
appreciation of the multi-functional forward previously.
Chelsea are using the Senegal international's £35.1m switch from Liverpool
to the Allianz Arena as a guide for Sterling's potential fee but City will
demand more - upwards of £50m - as he is much younger than Mane and an
intra-league premium to a rival will apply.
A compromise of around £45m has been loosely floated should Chelsea solidify
their pursuit.
Sterling will not ponder any potential transfer until formal talks occur and
he has a handle on what guarantees he will have from a football perspective.
It is a fundamental reason he is conducting all meetings himself. Sterling
does not want to exit a winning machine like City in search of greater
minutes and significance only to sit on the bench elsewhere.
The four-time title winner is certain he can be a crucial cog for a club in
lifting more silverware moving forward and is keen on helping to develop
younger players.
Chelsea are also considering Ousmane Dembele and Christopher Nkunku, with
other options seemingly out of reach. Robert Lewandowski is set to join
Barcelona while Arsenal are "cautiously optimistic" of signing Gabriel Jesus
from City. seasons. He has proven to be a creative force too, first at
Liverpool and then City, directly contributing a combined 165 goals in the
division in 320 appearances for both.
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