Chelsea’s interest in Raheem Sterling is not linked to Romelu Lukaku’s impending departure, according to reports.
The Manchester City star has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge this summer, with his contract at the Etihad expiring next year.
Sterling has reportedly told Pep Guardiola’s side that he wishes to have his future sorted out within the next two weeks, handing Chelsea the time to make the transfer happen this window.
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Tuchel warned his attackers at the end of last season that reinforcements may be drafted in, admitting: “If we stick to the group then we will try to solve it with these players.
“Is it necessary to bring more offensive players around the box to create more distractions, to create more space for each other? We will ask that question. Can we do better in the structure? Can we push the players more? Did we rotate too much? Let’s see.
“There are a lot of options. The numbers we produce from our offensive players don’t allow us to over-perform and we need over-performance if we want to be nearer to the top two teams.
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"I am not pointing fingers, I am not blaming anybody, but we need over-performance from everybody. It’s not over-performance if we have only single figures in scoring and assisting.”
And now it appears that Sterling could come through the door in the summer window.
The England international’s arrival will likely end the spell of one or more of Chelsea’s attackers.
The Blues are reportedly willing to listen to offers for trio Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic this summer.
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One player who is almost certain to be out of Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks is club-record signing Lukaku.
Inter Milan and Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement over an initial loan deal for the Belgian after a miserable season back in blue.
However, as per the Telegraph, Lukaku’s exit is not linked to Chelsea’s interest in Sterling.
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Tuchel has been a fan of Sterling and would look to bring the forward to his Chelsea squad, no matter what the future holds for Lukaku.
His side have a way to go to catch Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Signing Sterling may be one way to reduce the gap, with the England international bagging 16 goals last season.
The Blues will also look to add defensive reinforcements in the window.
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Both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departed, with Rudiger being announced as a Real Madrid player.
Christensen appears to be Barcelona-bound, while Cesar Azpilicueta could yet join him.
Once Lukaku departs, Chelsea face a fight against time to build their squad for next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Football, Raheem Sterling, Premier League, Transfers
Nick Emms