Online Reporter
RAHEEM STERLING has been back at Chelsea for a week but stands at a crossroads.
The winger, 30, returned from a failed loan at Arsenal to train with the Blues’ undesirables — a group boasting a fair few international caps.
Sterling has been working alongside Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell and — until his £25million switch to Bournemouth — Djordje Petrovic.
None of them are in Enzo Maresca’s plans at Stamford Bridge and the club’s directors have some busy days ahead to move them on.
Not one of the senior players will be involved in the Chelsea XI which face Bromley this afternoon to officially start pre-season.
With two years left on his £325,000-a-week deal, it is key for both Sterling and Chelsea that an answer is found.
At the time of writing, no talks have been held between player and club over a transfer — though both are relaxed about finding a solution.
Yet it is a far cry from last summer.
Sterling was an almost ever-present on the summer tour 12 months ago before coming home to find out he was no longer needed.
A scramble ensued to find a move away, with the Blues holding out for Saudi interest before a late trip across London to the Emirates was agreed.
It was a messy experience that neither will want, or can afford, to go through again.
Chelsea prefer to find a permanent solution this time, though it is unclear how that looks at this stage.
They could look to land a fee for the former Manchester City man or pay off the remainder of his deal, which could cost them north of £30m.
The Blues hope to recoup £20m for a player who cost them £47.5m three years ago, but even that looks difficult, with only a Saudi club likely to pay anywhere close to his huge wages.
Sterling does not need more money but it would be foolish for anyone to stroll away from what they are owed and there is an acceptance any transfer comes with a sizeable pay cut.
Chelsea will feel that, if they are to allow him to leave early and continue his playing career, there needs to be some compromise on both sides.
Talks must first focus on how Sterling’s exit looks, before discussions move on to where he could end up.
As with last summer, there will be little interest in a move to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer in America. – Sun
