Raheem Sterling to leave Chelsea? Ornstein reveals the latest state of play

Raheem Sterling reportedly wants to resolve his contract at Chelsea before discussing a move away from the club.

The 29-year-old has been frozen out by Enzo Maresca and he is currently training with the Blues’ ‘Bomb Squad’ away from the first-team.

However, Sterling still has three years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, with the ex-England international currently earning more than £300,000 per week.

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Despite rumoured interest from Manchester United, Juventus and several other clubs across Europe, Sterling’s priority is to sort out his Chelsea contract.

That is according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who has reported that Sterling will engage in further discussions with Chelsea over the next few days, before potentially opting to leave the club.

Sterling has been linked with Man Utd in recent days, with Chelsea eyeing a potential swap deal involving the 29-year-old and Red Devils outcast Jadon Sancho.

However, the former Manchester City winger will not be joining Aston Villa, according to Ornstein.

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What has Enzo Maresca said about Raheem Sterling?

Despite making 43 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino last campaign and featuring fairly prominently in pre-season, Sterling hasn’t been included in Chelsea’s matchday squad for any of their opening three games of 2024-25.

Last week, Maresca told the media: “The only thing I can say is that I try to be honest with all of them in this moment, the noise is from outside.

“More than 15 players are training apart, they are not with the team.

“I spoke with Raheem [Sterling] before Manchester City, I said that he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. With Chilly [Chilwell] 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 [in first-team training]. It’s not a mess like it looks from outside. The other players can even have 20 years contract, it is not my point. I don’t care.”