Raheem Sterling has expressed a preference to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis after it became clear that at present he is not part of the club’s plans going forward. The 29-year-old trained away from the club on Tuesday and Wednesday after being given a few days off while both parties consider options for a departure from Stamford Bridge. Talks are planned in the coming days, with Chelsea working with the winger to find a full-time solution, which he would currently prefer to a loan switch.

Sterling was unhappy at being left out of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squad for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City. A statement on behalf of the former City and Liverpool attacker released before kick-off at Stamford Bridge said he was seeking “clarity” over his future at the club. Sterling made 43 appearances in all competitions last term under former head coach Mauricio Pochettino before Maresca bolstered his attacking options with the signings of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Guiu this summer.

“I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers,” Maresca said on Wednesday. “They are training apart,” he added of Sterling and Ben Chilwell, who is also part of the group working away from the first-team squad. “The situation with both of them is quite clear. We have a big squad and it’s impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes it’s better for them to leave. I try to be honest.”

Sterling left City for Chelsea in 2022 for a fee in the region of £47.5 million. He has three years remaining on his current deal having signed a five-year contract. He won four Premier League titles and one FA Cup at the Etihad having joined the club from Liverpool in 2015.

Maresca’s Blunt Honesty on Sterling's Future

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been upfront about Sterling’s lack of playing time, stating that the winger will “struggle to get minutes” at Stamford Bridge. This candid assessment has prompted Sterling to seek a permanent move away from the club.

Maresca’s comments come amid a period of significant upheaval at Chelsea, with the manager overseeing a major clearout of the squad. He has insisted that his current squad is “not a mess”, but acknowledged that the club has “more than 15 players” training apart from the first team.

“I try to be honest with all of them in this moment, the noise is from outside,” Maresca said. “More than 15 players are training apart, they are not with the team. I spoke with Raheem before [the] Manchester City [game]. I said that he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but with his position, he’s going to struggle with us. It’s not brutal, it’s honest. I am not working with 42 players, I am working with 21 players. It’s not a mess like it looks from outside.”

Sterling’s Transfer Preferences

While Sterling is eager to move on from Chelsea, he is not open to a loan move or a transfer to Saudi Arabia. He is seeking a permanent transfer, hoping to secure regular playing time elsewhere. Sources have indicated that Chelsea’s desire to sell Sterling is partially motivated by finances, given his hefty salary.

Potential Destinations

Despite his high wages, several clubs are reportedly interested in signing Sterling. Aston Villa is reportedly “monitoring his situation” after losing key player Moussa Diaby. Juventus has also made inquiries, but Chelsea’s asking price and Sterling’s salary could pose challenges for any potential buyer.

Chelsea’s Squad Overhaul

Sterling’s situation is just one facet of Chelsea’s extensive summer transfer activity. The club is aiming to offload a significant number of players before the transfer window closes. In addition to Sterling, other notable players on the transfer list include Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Romelu Lukaku.

Despite the departures, Chelsea remains active in the transfer market, targeting new signings to bolster their squad. The club has already secured the services of Joao Felix, who returns to Stamford Bridge after a successful loan spell in the 2022/23 season.

A New Era at Chelsea

Enzo Maresca is steering Chelsea through a period of transition, seeking to build a new squad and playing style. The departure of several key players, including Sterling, is part of this process. As the transfer window draws to a close, Chelsea will need to navigate the complex web of player movements and finalize deals that can help the club achieve its long-term goals.

The Sterling Saga: A Story of Ambition and Unfulfilled Expectations

Raheem Sterling’s move to Chelsea in 2022 was met with high expectations. However, his time at Stamford Bridge has been marked by inconsistency and a lack of playing time. With the club embarking on a new era under Enzo Maresca, Sterling’s departure seems inevitable. The next chapter in his career remains to be written, but it’s clear that he is seeking a fresh start and a chance to rediscover his best form.