Chelsea have a bit of work to do in the upcoming winter transfer window. On one hand, the club should look to bring in some new faces to strengthen multiple positions, with injuries waekening the squad in the first half of the season.
On the other hand, Chelsea will try to offload some of the players who don’t feature in Enzo Maresca’s plans for the future. Raheem Sterling certainly falls into this latter category.
The Blues wanted to part ways with him in the summer, but the move didn’t happen. Nevertheless, the winter window will provide another opportunity for Chelsea to offload the player.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United and Blackburn chief Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Leeds United are interested in signing Sterling. The Whites have been struggling with options up front and could move for the out-of-favor Chelsea man in January.
Leeds United show interest in Chelsea winger
Brown also told Football Insider regarding Sterling's situation:
"It’s inevitable Sterling will leave Chelsea.
“When was the last time he played for Chelsea? He hasn’t been involved at all this season and he’s not a part of the manager’s plans there.
“If he moves on, it will free up space in the squad for new players to come in, and I hear that’s something Chelsea will be looking at if somebody comes in for him.
“Plus, they need to get those wages off the bill, they’ve been trying to do it for over a year."
Sterling has been part of Chelsea’s transfer list for a while now and hasn’t featured in any of the matches so far this season. He spent the previous campaign out on loan at Arsenal. His situation isn’t expected to change either, as Maresca has made it clear that the English international won’t get opportunities with the first team.
Sterling spent last season at Arsenal but failed to regain his form, scoring just one goal in 26 matches. So, it’s safe to say that the 31-year-old looks well past his prime, and there’s little possibility of him ever appearing in a Chelsea shirt again.
In fact, Chelsea would want to offload the high wages from their books as soon as possible and make room for other future signings. Aside from Leeds United, other clubs might also show interest, as Sterling has a lot of experience in the top flight with multiple Premier League giants. That said, for now, let’s wait and see how this situation unfolds.