Despite Raheem Sterling’s presence as one of Manchester City’s mainstays from 2017 to 2020, it always seemed like the legendary winger had one eye set on a move to foreign pastures.
Spain was always touted to be the England international’s next destination of choice, with Real Madrid widely reported as his dream club.
In fact, the ex-Liverpool superstar went on to stir controversy by agreeing to pose for a cover in Spanish magazine AS with a Los Blancos shirt over one shoulder.
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In the interview, Sterling hinted at a future move to the Santiago Bernabéu after departing Pep Guardiola’s side.
As a result, it was recently stated that those within the City camp were surprised that the 27-year-old was keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge, instead of pushing for his long-standing wish of playing for the champions of Europe.
After all, the four-time Premier League champion is claimed to have recently enquired about how life is under Thomas Tuchel.
The pair recently held positive talks as the West London outfit eye him as their number one attacking signing ahead of the 2022/23 season.
It has also been reported that Chelsea are set to put in a formal bid to sign the winger, with a deal expected to be completed this week.
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While a respectful departure from the Etihad Stadium is expected, the Sky Blues’ private belief regarding the impending transfer has surfaced.
As per a report by Rob Dawson of ESPN, it is understood that City would have preferred Sterling to move abroad instead, with interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, it has been revealed that the club are said to have decided to ‘respect his wishes’ as his heart seems set on a move to Chelsea.
With Real Madrid’s failure to wrap up a deal for Kylian Mbappe - and with Serge Gnabry entering the final year of his contract - there certainly were viable options for the Sky Blues legend to depart the Premier League.
However, Sterling’s imminent transfer to Chelsea could spell the return of top English clubs doing business with each other again.
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As top players such as the Englishman are known to be on lucrative packages, the cash-rich clubs in the most financially powerful division in the world can deem such deals as affordable.
Adding to that, Sterling may have a point to prove.
Making the switch south, he has the chance to set things alight as a regular starter at Stamford Bridge.
A return to London after staying in the North-West of England since 2010 may also have been too good a prospect to turn down for the boy from Brent.
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Moving closer to his hometown and competing for trophies is also seen as an incentive.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Chelsea, Raheem Sterling, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours