Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has held positive talks with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling as the Blues prepare a bid for the forward, according to reports.
The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to London this summer as Tuchel could bring him through the door during the transfer window.
With only a year left on his deal at the Etihad, Sterling could depart the Champions for a cut-price.
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It was previously reported that Sterling will make a decision on his future within the next two weeks.
Reports have also stated that Man City will not stand in the way of their forward if he wants to join the Blues this summer, handing Tuchel’s side a boost.
Sterling is seen as the marquee signing of the summer for the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium as they are yet to make their first signing.
Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan is expected to be made official soon, ending a torrid season at Stamford Bridge.
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Therefore, Chelsea could press on with finding an attacking replacement.
Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have both been linked with moves away this summer, also.
Werner has been heavily linked with a switch to Juventus in a potential swap deal for Matthijs de Ligt, while Ziyech is attracting interest from AC Milan.
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This could lead to Sterling being brought in as a replacement for the departing attackers.
As reported by the Telegraph, Tuchel has already made contact with Sterling.
The German has checked on Sterling’s plans for the future as he views him as his top attacking target this summer.
Furthermore, the report states that Chelsea are preparing their opening bid for Sterling.
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He is valued at between £50 million and £60 million by Manchester City.
However, with just one year left on his deal in Manchester, Sterling may be available for below this price.
City are also set to lose Gabriel Jesus this summer, with Arsenal looking the most likely destination for the Brazilian.
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This could make Chelsea’s negotiations more difficult, but with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez arriving at the Etihad, Sterling could also be allowed to leave.
It remains to be seen as to how much Chelsea are willing to bid for the England international, with the opening offer set to come.
Tuchel will be hoping that Sterling is a piece of the puzzle as he looks to build a title-challenging team at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will also be looking for defensive reinforcements in the summer window following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Raheem Sterling, Manchester City, Football, Premier League