Manchester City Open Door To Signing Raheem Sterling Replacement

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Manchester City and Chelsea were inches away from reaching a total agreement over the £45 million transfer of Raheem Sterling.

It was also claimed that a further £10 million in add-ons would be set to be included, that could take the total valuation of a deal to £55 million.

In addition, it has been suggested that the move is close enough to completion for the England international to be expected to be a part of the West Londoners’ pre-season tour to the United States.

The 26-year old is reportedly at ease with the personal terms and is itching to return back to London after 12 years away from his hometown.

This marks the end of the prolific forward’s time in East Manchester, who etched his place into Manchester City folklore since his arrival in 2015.

With a combined 225 goals and assists in 337 matches for the Sky Blues across all competitions, Raheem Sterling has undoubtedly been one of the stand-out players during the Pep Guardiola era.

Despite being underwhelming by his own lofty standards over the past two seasons, the numbers don’t lie when they reflect that the Englishman’s 31 goals across both campaigns make him the club’s top-scorer during this period.

As a result, a large section of Manchester City supporters are sweating over whether the club will sign a successor to replicate the departing club legend’s undeniable influence.

In a new report by Jack Gaughan of the Mail, the Premier League champions have 'not definitively stated’ on whether they aim to sign a replacement for Raheem Sterling this summer.

Recently, it was reported that Pep Guardiola’s side had sent scouts to watch Serge Gnabry in order to gauge whether he fits into the Catalan boss’ style of play.

However, the speculation around the potential move for the Bayern Munich winger was seemingly denied by those within the club.

It has also been mentioned that Cole Palmer is set to be increasingly involved next term, while midfield prodigy James McAtee will be integrated into the side in wider positions.

Additionally, a popular claim has disclosed the fact that Manchester City have always been prepared for the sales of Sterling and Jesus and plan not to sign replacements for the forward duo.

In the case of the latter, it still seems that Manchester City remain unsure as Raheem Sterling has guaranteed consistent output season after season during his time at the club.

As things stand however, the impression one gets is that the Sky Blues aim to wrap up the signing of Brighton’s Marc Cucurella in the coming days and weeks ahead.