Chelsea suffered another damaging defeat on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to London rivals Arsenal at The Emirates.
Enzo Maresca’s side have now won just four of their last 13 Premier League matches after Mikel Merino’s first-half strike earned the Gunners an important victory.
The Blues still sit fourth in the top flight table but are just a single point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City in the standings.
Former Chelsea player Kai Havertz missed Arsenal’s win over the Blues on Sunday, while loanee Raheem Sterling was also unavailable to face his parent club.
The Englishman has enjoyed a frustrating season at The Emirates and it appears that Chelsea are set to sell the star this summer, according to The Athletic.
The report claims that the West London outfit have ruled out two possibilities for the player when he returns to Stamford Bridge this summer, namely allowing him to go out on another loan, and agreeing a contract buy-out.
Sterling is unlikely to play for Chelsea again
That leaves a permanent sale as the only other viable option for Sterling this summer, with Arsenal likely to snub the opportunity to sign the player permanently.
Sterling, 30, is under contract until 2027 but – as those in charge of Chelsea don’t believe he has a future at the club – they must work to find a solution that appeases all parties.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia have previously been linked with the 82-time England international, but the report claims that the Blues believe there are also clubs in Europe that could be interested, despite the winger’s high wages.
Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 but failed to recreate his best form during his two full seasons in West London.
He then joined Arsenal on loan last summer, but has since struggled to establish himself as a regular in Arteta’s squad, making just 12 Premier League appearances so far this term.