Raheem Sterling could leave Manchester City for Chelsea this summer, but what shirt number could he take at Stamford Bridge?
The 27-year-old has one year left to run on his current City contract and is now attracting interest from clubs as they monitor his situation at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel have shown interest and reports are getting stronger by the day, with the latest claims suggesting they will make a swoop for the England international once Romelu Lukaku's return to Inter Milan is confirmed - which is expected by the end of the month.
Tuchel is a 'big fan' and Sterling would be attracted to the idea of moving back down south if he were to decide to leave the current Premier League champions.
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A transfer fee of £35 million has been rumoured, while Sky Sports have suggested Man City would want at least £60 million to sell Sterling this summer.
If Sterling is to make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer, one of the first decisions he will need to make is what number he will have on the back of his shirt.
But what numbers could Raheem Sterling take?
Number 7 - Currently worn by N'Golo Kante
Sterling currently wears the number seven shirt for Man City, however it is occupied at Chelsea by Kante. He has one year left on his deal at Chelsea, but will have his future decided this summer when the Blues look to open contract renewal talks.
Number 10 - Currently worn by Christian Pulisic
Pulisic initially took the number 22 shirt following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, but two years later he swapped his shirt for the number 10 when Willian departed for Arsenal.
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There has been suggestions that Pulisic could be sold this summer if the right offer came in, but with American owners they could opt to keep him around, particularly with their tour of the United States coming up next month.
Sterling wears this number for England on a regular basis, so the 7 and 10 would likely be his ideal shirt numbers.
Number 11 - Currently worn by Timo Werner
Like Pulisic, the club are willing to listen to offers for the German. The number 11 is a forwards number which may be of interest to Sterling.
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However, if Werner doesn't leave it is unlikely Sterling would be able to snag the 11 shirt.
Number 17 - Currently Vacant
Following Saul Niguez' departure back to Atletico Madrid, the number 17 shirt is now free in west London. Mateo Kovacic relinquished it last summer before the Spaniard's arrival as he took the number eight.
Eden Hazard once wore the 17 shirt before changing to the 10, which could open up a pathway for Sterling to follow the same path if he wished to do so.
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The number is free, so why not?
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Premier League, Football
