3 months ago
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Raheem Sterling is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia and would rather not move abroad at all, preferring a Premier League stay if he does indeed leave Chelsea this summer.
The 29-year-old has been ostracised at Chelsea, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming that he cannot expect to play this season and should look for a move away.
Sterling is not alone in that situation, with the Blues desperate to trim their enormous squad after another transfer window of wild spending.
Fellow England international Ben Chilwell has also been placed on the chopping block, with Chelsea looking to get rid of a string of players before the transfer window closes on 30 August.
It will not necessarily be easy to move players on from Stamford Bridge, with Sterling a prime example of a big name on huge money and a long contract.
The winger has three years left on his deal worth around £300,000-a-week, which makes his list of realistic destinations after Chelsea a pretty short one.
It is still shorter as Sterling has ruled out a move to the Saudi Pro League and would rather not go abroad at all, according to the Evening Standard.
Juventus have shown an interest in the former Manchester City and Liverpool star, but Sterling prefers to stay in the Premier League if possible.
Clubs such as West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace have been touted as possible moves for Sterling, but he would either have to take a significant reduction in wages or Chelsea would have to cover some of them.
Despite Sterling’s preference to stay in England, Juventus are clear favourites with the bookmakers to sign him as they have made the most concrete move so far, enquiring about a move.
Asked for an update on Sterling and Chilwell’s future at a press conference on Wednesday, Maresca said: ‘They are training apart.
‘As I said, the situation is quite clear and there is not any update on the situation.
‘They are Chelsea players. Until they are Chelsea players. But it’s possible to give them all minutes. Those who want minutes, they are better off to leave.
‘I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the Man City game. I said he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason.
‘With Chilly, he is a lovely guy but he will struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.
‘I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers and this is the reason why.
‘It’s not a comfortable situation. I know exactly the feeling but it’s good to know that if you stay you are going to struggle to get minutes.’
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