Why Raheem Sterling Has Decided To Leave Manchester City THIS SUMMER

Raheem Sterling's desire for regular first-team football in the peak years of his career was telling in his decision to leave Manchester City this summer, as per a new report.

The England international has informed Manchester City officials he would like to leave the club amid interest from Chelsea, who are set to make an improved offer for Sterling this week.

Sterling was in and out of Pep Guardiola's starting XI last season, often being rotated with the likes of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish.

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling in action

The 27-year-old, who joined City from Liverpool for £49 million in 2015, scored 17 goals and provided nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions for the Blues last term.

However, with just one year on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, Sterling was looking for assurances over regular first-team minutes before committing his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

Real Madrid are believed to have held a long-standing interest in the winger, who was open to leaving City on loan last season amid interest from Barcelona.

Raheem Sterling could be on his way to Chelsea this summer. (Alamy)

Sources close to Manchester City have this week revealed Chelsea have made formal contact with the six-time Premier League champions this week over a move for Sterling.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is keen on making a strong start to his reign at Stamford Bridge and is looking to seal a deal for the Englishman in the coming week.

There is understood to be confidence amongst all parties a deal will materialise that will end Sterling's seven-year spell in Manchester, where he won four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City forwards Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus

According to the latest information of Paul Hirst of The Times, Sterling made a thorough assessment on his future at the Etihad Stadium and sought assurances over regular minutes from Pep Guardiola.

However, with Guardiola failing to provide the forward with guarantees over playing time and Sterling realising he has to play week-in, week-out in the peak years of his career to fulfil his true potential, he has decided to leave Manchester City.

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Sterling, who has held positive talks with Thomas Tuchel over how he would fit into the German's starting XI in west London.

Raheem Sterling

Tuchel has made Sterling a top target for the summer as part of a squad revamp at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing campaign marred by events off the pitch.

Chelsea's record signing Romelu Lukaku is nearing a season-long return to Inter less than 12 months after completing a £97.5 million switch to west London.

Sterling is yet to agree personal terms with Chelsea but is believed to be excited by the project as laid out by Thomas Tuchel.

The England forward could very well follow Gabriel Jesus into leaving Manchester City this summer, with the Brazil international closing in joining Arsenal for £45 million.