Manchester
City are expecting to field an opening offer from Chelsea for Raheem
Sterling after Thomas Tuchel engaged the England international over how he
would fit in at Stamford Bridge.
The forward heads a shortlist of the manager's attacking targets and enters
the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions, who are
grateful for his service and will not obstruct his desire for greater
minutes and status elsewhere.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly stated "I don't like to keep players that are
unhappy" and is open to allowing Sterling's exit this summer, even to a
Premier League rival, on condition that an acceptable bid in the region of
£50m is tabled.
Tuchel is desperate to add a decisive edge in the final third to cure
Chelsea's goalscoring issues.
Sterling would offer the German a guaranteed threat - he has directly
contributed a combined 165 goals in the division in 320 appearances for
Liverpool and City - as well as tactical flexibility and experience.
The 27-year-old believes he is in the decisive phase of his career and wants
to make a significant contribution on and off the pitch.
He has held respectful discussions with City in this regard and a decision
on his future will revolve around the influence he will be able to have -
especially in the big matches.
Tuchel contacting Sterling and spelling out his vision speaks to how serious
Chelsea's interest is. They have also tracked Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele
and Everton's Richarlison.
The fact that City can cede two attackers to members of the 'Big Six' -
Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for £45m and potentially Sterling to Stamford
Bridge - without trepidation is a sign of their solid recruitment and the
gap that exists between the clubs.
Intra-league transfers at the top end of the table are set to become more
common as European teams struggle to financially compete with their English
counterparts.
Chelsea consider Richarlison move
Chelsea are considering rivalling Tottenham for Everton's Richarlison.
The Blues are interested in the Brazil striker as a potential replacement
for Inter Milan-bound Romelu Lukaku.
However, Tottenham are targeting a package deal for both Everton's
Richarlison and Anthony Gordon.
Thomas Tuchel could sign as many as three new forwards, with interest in Man
City's Raheem Sterling and Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele, who is soon to be
out of contract.
In defence, Chelsea are also targeting two centre-backs having lost Antonio
Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and are keen on bringing their former
academy graduate Nathan Ake back to the club.
Sky in Italy have already reported Chelsea's interest in Juventus defender
Matthijs de Ligt.
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