Chelsea remain optimistic in their hopes of signing Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling this summer, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is looking to bolster his attack in the summer transfer window and Sterling has been identified as a top target for the Blues.
He has one year left on his current deal at Man City and could be on the way out, with Pep Guardiola’s side willing to let the 27-year-old depart should he express a desire to leave.
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Sterling has attracted the attention of Tuchel, who is a fan of the winger, and an approach has already been made for the England international from the west London outfit.
No official bid has been lodged as of yet, but City are bracing themselves for an offer from Chelsea in the coming days and weeks as the Blues eye an agreement as soon as possible.
Despite no deal being struck yet, as reported by The Telegraph, there ‘remains optimism’ at Stamford Bridge that Sterling will make the switch to the capital.
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Chelsea are claimed to have held fresh talks with the Premier League champions ahead of an anticipated bid.
Sterling is likely to cost in the region of £45-50 million and could be one of two City players arriving at Cobham this summer, with interest in defender Nathan Ake high.
Tuchel wants a defensive rebuild following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
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Ake is being targeted along with Dutch teammate Matthijs de Ligt.
Chelsea have been told by City that they will need to make an offer in excess of £50 million if negotiations are going to start over Ake.
Tuchel has held talks with Sterling over a possible move, detailing his vision and plans for the winger should he complete a move.
Assurances of game time have also been given ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Chelsea are also hoping to bring Raphinha to the club from Leeds United after having a bid of £55 million plus add-ons accepted.
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The 25-year-old is waiting on Barcelona, his preferred choice, to see if they can match the offer and financially afford to hijack their move.
Leeds are respecting the agreement in place with their Premier League counterparts and have told Barcelona they will need to match the bid if they want to have any hope of winning the race.
Chelsea will shortly arrive back at their Cobham training base for pre-season and Tuchel will be hoping to have both Sterling and Raphinha available in the early days as they prepare for the 2022/23 campaign.
Topics: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Matthew Debono