According to The Telegraph, Chelsea and Manchester City have agreed a fee of 47.5 million pounds in principle for attacker Raheem Sterling. The 27-year-old is expected to have a medical in the coming days, with Chelsea hoping to complete the deal in time for the England international to join the club’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Despite being heavily linked with Leeds forward Raphinha and fellow Brazilian Richarlison this summer, the Blues have made Sterling their top target this summer. The player has reportedly agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with a one-year extension option.
Sterling joined City from Liverpool in July 2015 for an initial fee of 49 million pounds and has been instrumental in their success under Pep Guardiola. At the Etihad Stadium, he won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three League Cups while scoring 131 goals in 339 appearances for the reigning Premier League champions.
He would provide Thomas Tuchel with a guaranteed threat, as he has scored 165 goals in 320 appearances for Liverpool and City, as well as tactical flexibility and experience.
The fact that City can confidently hand over two attackers to members of the ‘big six’ – Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for 45 million and Sterling to Stamford Bridge – demonstrates both their solid recruitment and the gap between the clubs.
The player, meanwhile, wants more minutes but also more responsibility in this pivotal period of his career, whilst Chelsea needed a marquee signing to usher in a new era. The 27-year-old believes he is at a crossroads in his career and wants to make a significant contribution both on and off the field.
Tuchel will be drawn to Sterling’s versatility in the forward line, as he can play on either flank or through the middle as a false nine, a tactic the German prefers over the traditional target man. The return of Romelu Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan had hastened speculation about Sterling’s arrival.
Since Roman Abramovich’s purchase in 2003, Chelsea has won 21 trophies. Todd Boehly has taken over as chairman in place of Bruce Buck, and capturing a ready-made serial winner in Sterling would be a big first step.
