"As Far As I Know, The Expectation Is" - Manchester City Source Offers Update On Raheem Sterling Future

As Gabriel Jesus’ exit awaits official confirmation from both Manchester City and Arsenal, the same could be the case with Raheem Sterling, as he seemingly edges closer to a move to Stamford Bridge.

With Chelsea being largely toothless in attack last season, new club co-owner Todd Boehly has his sights set on the England international's arrival to revive their fortunes up top.

It has also been recently claimed that Stamford Bridge coach Thomas Tuchel held ‘positive talks’ with the 27-year old, as he considers the prolific winger as his number one attacking target ahead of next season.

While the former Liverpool forward seems lured by a return to his home city, it is worth noting that preparing himself to bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium has been far from an easy decision for the club legend.

Raheem Sterling in action for Manchester City against Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. (Alamy)

It was stated that despite being an irregular starter last term, Raheem Sterling’s intention was to stay in east Manchester.

However, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could not give the four-time Premier League champion the assurances that he had requested over game time.

As a result, it has now been mentioned that the Queens Park Rangers academy product communicated his desire to the Sky Blues’ hierarchy to end his seven-year spell at the club.

This has put the two-time Champions League winners in pole position to land Raheem Sterling in the coming days.

While all signs point to the potential move eventually coming to fruition, Sam Lee of the Athletic has had his say on how close the transfer really is.

“I was speaking to somebody last week who reckons (Gabriel) Jesus and (Raheem) Sterling are both done," Lee said on the latest episode of the ‘Why Always Us?’ podcast.

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling in action

"We're all very cautious of that word done in the transfer industry because it could mean anything, but it certainly seems to be where that one is heading."

Sam Lee continued, "As far as I know, the expectation is that Sterling is going to go. That’s the expectation around (Manchester) City."

The renowned journalist’s claims align with sources close to both clubs that believe that a switch will be finalised imminently.

Chelsea are set to put in a formal bid to complete the signing of the England international, with personal terms also yet to be agreed.

With Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan on loan, Thomas Tuchel’s side can now fully invest their time and attention towards securing the signature of the Manchester City icon.

Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel during the match at Stamford Bridge. (Alamy)

An amicable exit looks on the cards for Raheem Sterling as he is set to depart the club after being one of the pillars of Pep Guardiola’s dominance in English football.

Alongside the likes of Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus, and potentially Oleksandr Zinchenko as well, Sterling's exit indicates that the newly-crowned Premier League champions are undergoing a 'shake-up' - as Pep Guardiola terms it.