Former Premier League striker Frank McAvennie has shared he’s ‘heard’ from Manchester City that Raheem Sterling’s move to Chelsea is now ‘very close’ to being done.
The Lowdown: Sterling in talks with Chelsea
The 27-year-old’s contract at the Etihad is set to expire in just under 12 months, leaving his future with the English top-flight champions firmly hanging in the balance.
The Daily Mail claimed just last week that talks between City and the Blues have significantly progressed, with the winger already holding positive discussions with Thomas Tuchel about what his role at Stamford Bridge would look like.
The same outlet report that the Kingston-born talent would be happy to put pen to paper on a four-year deal in the capital, in a move that would be believed to take place in the region of £45m.
The Latest: Deal ‘very close’ to being complete
Asked by Football Insider for his latest thoughts on Sterling’s transfer situation, McAvennie said:
“It looks as if he’s going to Chelsea.
“It’s very close to being done I heard. It’s a strange one but he’ll do well in London and he wants to go there. What the player wants the player gets.
“With him going out and [Erling] Haaland coming in, they’re two totally different players. I think Sterling going anywhere he’ll do well.
“I think he’ll go to Chelsea, from what I can gather that’s what the deal is or that’s what it looks like will happen.“
The Verdict: Right time to go
Sterling has been an outstanding long-term servant for Manchester City during his seven-year stay under Pep Guardiola, but now seems like the right time for him to leave.
Last season, the 77-cap England international only made 23 league starts, sharing duties with the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez.
With the new addition of Haaland in the final third, it’ll now prove even more difficult for Sterling to find the game time he requires, so the best option for him would be to make the switch to Chelsea and start a new chapter of his career in a shirt that’s a deeper shade of blue.