Raheem Sterling has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and confirmation of his move from Manchester City is imminent.
The England international topped a list of Thomas Tuchel’s attacking targets and had entered the final year of his contract with City, who are grateful for his service and will not obstruct his desire to have more minutes and status in others. places.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly stated “I don’t like to keep players unhappy” and was open to allowing Sterling to leave this summer, even to a Premier League rival, on the condition that an acceptable offer of 50 be presented. millions of pounds sterling.
Tuchel was desperate to add a decisive lead in the final third to cure Chelsea’s goal problems and new Blues owner Todd Boehly had contacted City to discuss the figures and structure. an agreement.
Image: Sterling scored 13 Premier League goals last season
Sterling would offer Tuchel a guaranteed threat: he has directly contributed 165 combined goals to the division in 320 appearances with 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.
The fact that City can cede two strikers to members of the Big Six – Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal for £ 45m and Sterling at Stamford Bridge – without a hitch is a sign of their solid recruitment and the gap that exists. between clubs.
Transfers within the league at the top of the table will become more common as European teams struggle to compete economically with their English counterparts.
“Sterling a polarizing target for Chelsea fans, but it would help cool the attack”
Liam Twomey of Athletic at Sky Sports News:
“I think it’s a transfer that potentially works well for all parties. Sterling needs a change of scenery; he’s fallen into disgrace at Manchester City, he has a year left on his contract and there doesn’t seem to be much of a market for to him outside Chelsea.
“I think a lot of the big clubs in the Premier League are experiencing this at a time when it’s easier for them to sell each other, potentially, than anyone, given the finances involved. And Chelsea need a way to refresh their attacks. options, especially after letting Romelu Lukaku return to Inter on loan.
“I think the new owners also want to make a statement and while Raheem Sterling may not be the most exotic or exciting name for some Chelsea fans, he is a proven Premier League player at 27, a key international England It would clearly be a quality addition.
“I think Sterling is a bit of a polarizing target among Chelsea fans and I think part of that is just because he’s so familiar. We know his flaws as a player very well, as well as his strengths, as we’ve been. see him forever in the Premier League and I think that feeds the way many Chelsea fans see him, but there is no denying that he has been a very effective player in the best teams in this league for a very, very long time. time, so I think I would be a very reliable performer.
“We are also seeing a greater willingness on the part of Chelsea to look at the proven goals of the Premier League. They have been burned in the last two years to sign players from other leagues who may have needed time to adapt or, in some cases, they haven’t really adapted at all and they haven’t maximized the team.
“Someone like Sterling who has already produced at a high level in the Premier League for many years, you can see why that would be attractive for Chelsea and, for Boehly, he is a big name. And at 27, he is someone who still I could wait for it to be productive for a few more years. “
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