Raheem Sterling stays within the limbo of Chelsea’s bomb squad, but there’s high profile interest within the winger in the course of the January transfer window.
The 82-cap England international only turned 31 in December, but his profession has been on hold after falling out of contention from the Blues first team.
Sterling had a completely forgettable loan spell with Arsenal last season and has not played for Chelsea this campaign and is training away from the primary team.
The last time he played for the Blues was May 2024, and despite something of an olive branch from recent manager Liam Rosenior, his exile appears unlikely to be reversed.
The four-time Premier League winner still has a great popularity, despite his inactivity, and there’s interest in him from Italy.
Sky Sports report that Napoli are considering a loan move for the forward this month, as Antonio Conte looks to maintain pace within the Serie A title race.
Napoli currently sit third within the table, six points behind leaders Inter and battling to defend the title they won last 12 months.
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Despite the interest from the Italian champions, the Sky Sports report states that Sterling would like to remain in London for private reasons.
Specifically, the winger could be ‘keen on a move to Fulham’ which could be the shortest possible geographical move from Chelsea.
ESPN reported earlier in January that each Fulham and West Ham had shown interest in signing Sterling, but a sticking point is that he wants a everlasting move slightly than on loan.
The 31-year-old earns an unlimited £325,000-a-week at Chelsea, which clearly won’t be matches by another Premier League side desirous about him.
The Blues would like to get those wages off their books, with Sterling’s contract running until the tip of the 2026/27 season.
On his arrival as Chelsea manager this month, Rosenior said he would talk over with Sterling and fellow ‘bomb squad’ member Axel Disasi.
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‘I may have conversations with them. We’re in January, as ,’ said the Blues boss.
‘Raheem’s had an excellent profession. I’ve got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I’ve really, really liked as a player for a very long time.
‘Truthfully, I even have to have a conversation with them. I even have to have a conversation with the club. I’m being genuinely honest. I literally have started working through a listing of priorities. I’ll do in the subsequent few days.’
Chelsea are in motion on Wednesday night as they host Pafos within the Champions League, with Rosenior managing his fourth game answerable for the club in a fourth different competition after the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Premier League.
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