The prospect of returning to London is an 'appealing prospect' for Chelsea target Raheem Sterling who could leave Manchester City this summer, according to reports.
The 27-year-old's future remains unclear. A decision has yet to be made on his time at Manchester City with just a year left on his current contract at the Etihad.
His situation has put clubs across Europe on alert - Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been linked, as have Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur but a move to north London isn't believed to be on Sterling's list of options.
Thomas Tuchel is a 'big fan' of Sterling which has seen the Blues monitor and place the England international on their list of summer attacking targets that also includes Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele and RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku.
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But any move from Chelsea this summer is going to depend on the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea are in talks with Inter Milan over a return to the San Siro for the 29-year-old, just one year after he arrived back at Stamford Bridge for an eye-watering club-record £97.5 million.
Until then, Chelsea will not make a move for Sterling. But once that has been finalised, which Lukaku expects to happen in the next few weeks, Tuchel and co are expected to increase the pressure on their pursuit of Sterling in the hope of convincing City to part ways with him.
And now The Mirror has reported Sterling's stance on a potential switch back down south.
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Despite an ambition of playing abroad one day, 'the prospect of returning to his London roots is also an appealing prospect' which gives Chelsea a welcome boost if they do act on their interest.
Chelsea are believed to be confident of securing a switch for the England star, with a fee of around £35 million being touted for the winger.
Chelsea have shown concern over Dembele's injury record which has put their attention on Sterling, although interest in the Barcelona is still 'active'.
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Tuchel was full of praise for Dembele when Chelsea were linked with a move for him in the winter, hailing his quality during their time together in Germany.
“He is a very good player when he is in his top level. I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund.
“It was only one year, it should have been longer. I needed to leave and he decided to leave."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Premier League, Manchester City, Football, Transfers
