Former Gunner Raheem Sterling is leaning towards joining Fulham from Chelsea this month, but he’s open to moves outside of London, according to reports.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Raheem Sterling of Arsenal makes his way to the substitutes bench prior to during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Arsenal FC at St James' Park on November 02, 2024. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Raheem Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal ended just over six months ago, but the winger has still represented the Gunners more recently than current club Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca never had any intention of reintegrating Sterling with his squad, and despite the former Chelsea boss’ recent departure, the expectation is still that the 31-year-old will remain on the fringes until he leaves the west London club.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Raheem Sterling of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Dom Smith reported for The Standard earlier this week that Sterling is keen to leave, and he’s currently leaning towards joining Fulham, with Chelsea rejecting West Ham United’s request for a loan move.
Chelsea are reportedly only interested in a permanent sale, or a loan with an unconditional obligation to buy.
Yet Sami Mokbel of the BBC rejects the media suggestions that Sterling will only consider a move that allows him to remain in London. Speaking to Football Focus, Mokbel reports that Sterling is open to any deal with conditions that suit his family and his football career.
Sterling is at least on the same page as Chelsea with regards to the nature of his next move, with Mokbel adding that the player wants a permanent switch, not another loan.
PRESTON, ENGLAND: Raheem Sterling speaks to teammate Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Unfortunately for Sterling, Arsenal, and Chelsea, his disappointing loan spell last season had significant consequences.
For the Gunners, it meant narrowly missing out on multiple trophies where a few more goals here and there (and a few more rests for key starters) might have made the difference. For Sterling, it meant his stock tanked and he was unable to earn a summer transfer or win back his spot in the Chelsea team.
As for Chelsea, the club are still paying massive wages to a player they don’t want in the squad. There were really no winners from Sterling’s Arsenal transfer.
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