Would Man City’s Raheem Sterling Be An Upgrade On Chelsea’s Current Attack?

In recent days and weeks, Chelsea seem to have made Manchester City starlet Raheem Sterling a firm transfer target this summer. The English international could depart the Premier League champions with London looking a favourable destination right now.

There is some concern, however, whether Sterling would elevate the Blues to the level they once were as they look to win their first league title since 2017. He is Premier League proven at two clubs - Liverpool and now Man City - and has a track record of success, but the big question posed is whether the 27-year-old would be an upgrade on what is currently at the club in that position.

Sterling scored 17 goals across all competitions last season and assisted his teammates nine times in a free-scoring City team. That is certainly superior to the numbers that Chelsea’s stars were getting in attack, but in terms of quality, the doubt around Sterling’s potential arrival can be questioned.

Mason Mount (left) and Raheem Sterling (right) together with their national team. (England)

The Blues have, at their disposal, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount - some of which could leave -, as well as potentially Ousmane Dembele, who could be joining the club on a free transfer soon after his holiday during the off-season with his Barcelona contract set to expire at the end of the month

All of the abovementioned stars have their best years ahead of them and will grow and develop into one of the brightest players in the division. They’re also a part of what is a new phase in the Chelsea project of Thomas Tuchel having his wingers cut in centrally and almost perform as two operating number 10s.

Havertz was involved in 20 goals across all competitions, while Mount contributed to 29 goals last term. Both players look to be mainstays in Chelsea’s line-up and will be there next season, while a new addition to the striking position will likely complete the front three with Havertz and Mount on either side of the new marksman. This, again, highlights the need for Sterling’s arrival.

Raheem Sterling in action against Chelsea. (Alamy)

Sterling’s ability to play across the front three would be beneficial to Chelsea, but the flip side to that could be an inconsistency in attack as there could be too much tinkering in a number of positions which would disrupt the flow and fail at building stability, leaving the Blues back where they currently are.

There is undeniable talent that Sterling possesses, but it may hinder the growth of some of the players already in the Chelsea fold, while he may not be the same player he is in a darker shade of blue.

At Chelsea, he would need to be the star of the show and not hide, similar to the role he plays for England, which hasn’t entirely worked out for the best. There’s a proven track record here for Tuchel to identify and to right the wrongs of coaches elsewhere.