Raheem Sterling Finalises Agreement With Chelsea Ahead Of Manchester City Transfer

Raheem Sterling has reached an agreement with Chelsea over personal terms, it has emerged this evening.

Chelsea and Manchester City have been locked in negotiations over a transfer fee for several weeks, and following the latest development from the player's side, the transfer could be finalised in the next 24 hours.

Sterling - who has one-year remaining on his current Manchester City deal - has been concerned over the potential game time on offer at the Etihad Stadium during the forthcoming season.

City officials have this summer completed the double signing of Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland, and River Plate's Julian Alvarez, while increased game time for Cole Palmer and Jack Grealish could push Sterling further down Pep Guardiola's pecking order.

As for Chelsea, they have been looking to revitalise a Thomas Tuchel attacking line that largely underperformed last season.

Following the exit of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan, Stamford Bridge officials have been keen to make a statement this window, and the signing of Raheem Sterling from a top-flight rival would make sure of that.

The most significant developments on the situation have now emerged on Wednesday evening, putting the England international within touching distance of a return to London.

Raheem Sterling arriving at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.

What is the latest?

As per various sources, Raheem Sterling has now agreed personal terms with Chelsea - who are looking to reach an agreement with Manchester City on a transfer fee in the next 24 hours.

How much could Chelsea pay for Raheem Sterling?

While Manchester City's valuation of the player is understood to have been around £60 million - irrespective of his contractual situation at the club - there is a feeling that Chelsea could come close to that figure when taking potential add-ons into account.

The feeling in some quarters is that the final total package of a deal could hit £55 million.

How much will Raheem Sterling earn at Chelsea?

The England international is expected to see a small increase on his £300,000-a-week wages at Manchester City upon joining Chelsea this summer.

During talks over a new deal with Manchester City, it is understood that Sterling was seeking the same from Etihad officials, and get closer to the package being paid to Kevin De Bruyne.

At Stamford Bridge, Raheem Sterling will surpass N'Golo Kante to become the highest paid player at the club, with the French midfielder understood to be earning in the region of £290,000-a-week.

Raheem Sterling is seemingly on his way to Stamford Bridge. (Alamy)

What does this mean for the upcoming pre-season?

The intention from both Chelsea and Raheem Sterling is to completely finalise and announce the deal in time for the player to partake in the London club's pre-season tour.

Thomas Tuchel's side are heading to the United States this summer, while Manchester City return to training early next week.

A deal could be finalised over the course of the weekend.

Will Manchester City sign a replacement for Raheem Sterling?

At present, the current intention from the Etihad Stadium is to prioritise the signing of a new left-back this summer.

Brighton's Marc Cucurella remains a priority target for club officials, and increased negotiations are expected in the days that follow the completion of a deal for Raheem Sterling.

Manchester City have been linked with Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry, however the Germany international is of no interest to the club, it is now understood.

Instead, Pep Guardiola is expected to increase the opportunities given to rising academy talent Cole Palmer - who impressed on several occasions towards the end of last season.

However, a replacement should not be ruled out entirely, as Manchester City are known to be open to the emergence of market opportunities as the window progresses.