Raheem Sterling’s decline at Chelsea has continued, with the winger now completely frozen out at Stamford Bridge and his once-celebrated status fading rapidly.
New head coach Liam Rosenior has been handed the difficult task of trimming down an overcrowded squad, with Axel Disasi, Tyrique George and Sterling all now considered expendable.
AC Milan have expressed serious interest in Disasi, a development that could open the door for Chelsea to pursue a deal for Mike Maignan, the highly rated goalkeeper who has long been linked with a move to west London.
George narrowly missed out on a switch to Fulham last summer when talks broke down late in the process, and the young forward will be hoping that this window finally delivers him a way out.
Sterling’s case is more complex. Chelsea are pushing for a permanent transfer rather than another loan, even though most clubs following the situation would prefer a temporary move.
Sterling, alongside Mykhailo Mudryk and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is among the senior names facing an uncertain future.
Since Rosenior’s arrival, Sterling’s position has not improved. ESPN report that his continued exile is being driven by the club’s ownership rather than by the new manager himself.
The former England international has not featured for Chelsea since the end of the 2023–24 campaign and has been training away from the first-team group since returning from a loan spell at Arsenal, with little indication that he will play for the club again.
There is also growing speculation that Sterling could be reunited with Antonio Conte in Italy, with the former Chelsea coach reportedly weighing up a move to bring the winger to Serie A.
