Chelsea Eyeing 'Versatile Forward' To Add To Raheem Sterling Arrival

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a ‘versatile forward’ to add to the arrival of Raheem Sterling this summer.

The 27-year-old is completing the final stages to become a Chelsea player after the Blues agreed a fee with Manchester City.

The winger completed the first part of his medical on Sunday, expecting to finalise his tests on Monday before flying out the following day to meet his teammates in Los Angeles.

However, it is believed that the Blues are not looking to stop their summer recruitment there.

It was previously reported that the Blues are prepared to focus on new attacking options alongside signing Sterling.

Raphinha was a previous target but is now set for a move to Barcelona as the club are prepared to pay up to £63 million to Leeds for the Brazilian. 

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch speaks to Raphinha as he is substituted during the Premier League match at Elland Road. (Alamy)

Raphinha was reportedly seen as a ‘bonus’ to the Blues, who were prioritising the signing of Sterling.

However, it has now been revealed that a new signing in attack is still being considered.

According to Nick Purewal, Chelsea appear to be focused on another versatile forward.

While no name has been mentioned, it seems like Thomas Tuchel is keen on a player that can operate in all three attacking areas for him.

Sterling is versatile as it is, playing on both flanks in the past as well as upfront for Pep Guardiola in the past.

Chelsea were previously linked with RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, who, similarly to Sterling, can operate across the front three.

However, the French international sealed a new contract at RB Leipzig and looks unlikely to move this summer.

Furthermore, Purewal continues to reveal that a potential deal for Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is separate from other recruitment plans.

This means that Chelsea could still add a versatile forward alongside the Poland international.

However, with Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and soon-to-be Blue Sterling in the attack for next season, it appears that one or more of these forwards will have to leave.

Raheem Sterling #7 of Manchester City on the ball during the game. (Alamy)

Ziyech looks the most likely to depart, with him reportedly ‘close’ to joining AC Milan in the summer.

Once Sterling is announced as a Blue, Todd Boehly will push on in the pursuit of more players.

Chelsea are also in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

It remains to be seen as to how many more players will join the club this summer as Tuchel hopes to challenge at the top of the Premier League once again.