Raheem Sterling in talks to join fifth Premier League club in shock move from Chelsea nobody expected

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling is in talks over a potential move this summer, according to a new report – and it could end up being the fifth Premier League club of his career to date.

The 30-year-old, who reportedly turned down one of the most lucrative contracts ever seen last summer – a deal worth £650,000-a-week – spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Arsenal.

In total, he made 28 appearances across all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side, scoring once and providing five assists, but the Gunners decided against pursuing a permanent deal.

Sterling returned to parent club Chelsea, although the club have seemingly made it clear that they want to offload the 30-year-old this summer.

In fact, Sterling is currently training away from the rest of Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad as several clubs consider a bid for the former Liverpool and Manchester City winger.

Crystal Palace are said to be keen, according to talkSPORT, who also suggest Serie A giants Juventus hold an interest.

But it appears Marco Silva's Fulham are leading the race. A report from FourFourTwo claims Sterling is in talks with Fulham over a potential move to Craven Cottage ahead of their Premier League opener against Brighton.

What has Enzo Maresca said about Raheem Sterling in the past?

A week before his loan move to Arsenal and Maresca was brutal in his assessment of Sterling's future.

“I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers. This is the reason why," he said, shortly after Sterling was omitted from their Premier League opener against Manchester City.

“I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I didn't see Raheem after the game.

“In this moment, they (Sterling and Ben Chilwell) are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear. There is not any update on their situations.”

Raheem Sterling is likely on his way out of Chelsea. Image credit: Getty

Maresca added: "In case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don’t have anything new to tell him because I was quite clear.”