Manchester City will not bring in a replacement for Raheem Sterling should he leave the club this summer, according to a new report.
The west Londoners are plotting a bid for the England international, whose future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
With Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez in through the door at Manchester City, Sterling could choose to part ways with the Premier League champions after helping them win the league for the fourth time under Pep Guardiola.
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Chelsea are believed to be leading the race to sign Raheem Sterling, who has so far refused to commit his long-term future to Manchester City amid concerns of playing time, having been in and out of the starting XI for the best part of two seasons.
Barcelona were interested in taking the London-born forward on loan midway through the previous campaign, though Sterling shined on his return to the side in November with a string of impressive displays.
However, with the World Cup in Qatar later this year, there is a decision to be made on Sterling's future and should he refuse to sign a new deal, Manchester City will be looking to obtain a sizeable fee for the attacker this summer to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in 2023.
As reported by Sam Lee of The Athletic, Manchester City will not look to replace Raheem Sterling with a fresh attacking option should he leave ahead of the new campaign.
There are no plans in place to sign more forwards at the Etihad Stadium despite the uncertainty surrounding Sterling's future and with Gabriel Jesus expected to join Arsenal.
With Riyad Mahrez, also entering the final year on his contract, expected to stay too, only unforeseen circumstances, such as a late change of stance on the Algeria international's future or a serious injury to an existing forward, could force Manchester City to alter their plans.
It was reported recently Chelsea believe they can close a deal for £35 million and get Sterling from City, though it has since been mentioned it will take around £60 million for the Blues to sign the England star this summer.
Thomas Tuchel is expected by the west London outfit's new ownership to kick on from a challenging season and close the gap between Chelsea and the top of the Premier League next season, with Raheem Sterling and Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele named as potential incomings this summer.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Raheem Sterling
Vayam Lahoti