Antonio Conte solves Chelsea’s most expensive problem

Napoli manager Antonio Conte is ready to end Raheem Sterling‘s Chelsea nightmare, according to Italian media.

The 31-year-old is the Blues’ best-paid player, but he finds himself on the outside looking in at Stamford Bridge. Sterling was told quite clearly that he had become surplus to requirements when Enzo Maresca arrived in 2024, but he has surprisingly outlived the Italian.

The former England international sealed a late loan move to Arsenal in the summer of 2024, but he failed to secure a transfer in 2025, leaving him stuck in Chelsea’s ‘Bomb Squad.’

Sterling was very particular about his next destination in the summer. He wanted to stay in London, which naturally narrowed down his options dramatically. Despite interest from Fulham, nothing materialised.

This month, the situation appears to have changed. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that staying in the capital is no longer a priority and that Sterling may even be tempted to head abroad to try a new experience.

Sterling to Napoli?

This has emboldened Napoli to reignite their interest in the veteran, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Serie A champions already explored a move for Sterling in the summer.

Former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is demanding reinforcements this month, and while signing a midfielder is the priority, he also wants new attacking options.

Noa Lang has proved a disappointing signing since his summer move, with the aforementioned Romano going so far as to report that the Dutchman could already leave Naples after just six months.

This would necessitate the signing of a replacement, and Sterling again features prominently on Conte’s shortlist. So far, however, it looks as though the interest has not yet developed into something more concrete.

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