Over the course of the past couple of days, one transfer rumour that has piqued the interest of fans of all clubs is Raheem Sterling’s potential move to Manchester City's Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s revelation earlier this week concerning the Manchester City superstar potentially heading to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for a £35 million fee was the initial story that many would say broke the internet for obvious reasons.
Despite the England international’s contract having just one year remaining, the majority of Manchester City fans baulked at the aforementioned fee.
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The electric forward has been one of the best wingers in the Premier League since his move to the Etihad Stadium in the summer 2015 from Liverpool - in a move that raised eyebrows on Merseyside at the time.
However, Sam Lee and Simon Johnson of the Athletic subsequently revealed that Chelsea are aware that the only obstacle that could stand in front of themselves in a bid to get a deal over the line is the fee.
Given the success of Raheem Sterling at Manchester City, the feeling in various quarters is that Etihad Stadium officials have unsurprisingly set a price tag in excess of £50 million for Raheem Sterling.
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Far too often, transfer sagas fail to lift the lid on the worst-case scenario from a player’s perspective, as it is assumed that it must pertain to simply being unable to make their desired switch.
New details have emerged that discuss this very aspect concerning the former Liverpool wideman, highlighting his wish to not let his club future run towards a free transfer next summer.
As per a report by Simon Bajkowski of Manchester Evening News, the decision Raheem Sterling favours the least is to stay at Manchester City and run his contract down without penning a new deal this summer.
This of course would mean he would vacate the Etihad Stadium in 12 months time with no transfer fee to his name.
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It has been stated that the Englishman’s intentions are to commit his long-term future this summer, regardless of the club where he plies his trade next term - meaning the door remains wide open to an extended Manchester City star, or a move to the likes of Chelsea.
Further details claim that while the 27-year old has been given the chance to make a final decision about his plans for the 2022/23 season, the player and the club are ‘keen’ to reach a ‘swift decision’. It is mentioned that this would allow both parties to move forward and make the most out of a summer that lacks the presence of an international tournament.
As it has been widely reported that a major factor behind Raheem Sterling’s willingness to depart Manchester City is due to being an inconsistent fixture in Pep Guardiola's recent starting elevens, one can assume that all the player is looking for is stability from his next decision.
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The failure to resolve his long-term future would be the very antithesis of this desire, which is not advisable for a player that turns 28 years-old later this year and wishes to get enough minutes under his belt to solidify his place in Gareth Southgate’s side for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Should Raheem Sterling decide to move on this summer, then options in regards to potential replacements are few and far between.
However, one must not rule out the possibility of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola flexing his tactical muscle and using his current personnel to fit into less familiar roles in the potential absence of Sterling.
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Elsewhere, Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave Manchester City in the coming days, with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal the favourites the secure the signing of the Brazilian international.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Raheem Sterling, Premier League, Football, Transfers