Raheem Sterling to Chelsea transfer; deal being ‘finalised’, fee agreed, Man City stance

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Raheem Sterling in one of the summer’s statement signings.

The Blues came into this summer knowing they needed to strengthen significantly to bridge the gap between themselves and the top two.

And what better way to improve than to prise away one of the champions’ key forwards.

Chelsea have turned to Sterling to improve their front line, with further arrivals also expected at Stamford Bridge this summer.

And as the transfer appears to near completion, we have rounded up what we know so far about the deal.

The latest

Sterling is said to have agreed personal terms ahead of his move to Chelsea.

As detailed by the BBC, the winger has given the green light, and Chelsea are now in the process of finalising the deal ahead of the medical taking place, likely early next week.

It’s claimed the fee agreed is around £45million initially, with add-ons potentiall included in the deal.

Why are City selling Sterling?

Sterling is out of contract next year, and unless the winger wanted to sign a new contract, City were always going to have to sell to avoid missing out on a fee completely.

According to various reports, City were keen to keep Sterling, with Pep Guardiola still valuing the England international as a key part of his plans.

But with no new contract likely to be agreed, they found themselves needing to sell.

Sterling’s stance

Sterling won his place back over the course of last season, but he was not always first choice.

According to the BBC, the winger wants to play a ‘major role’ at a club challenging for honours, and he still holds big ambitions such as winning the Ballon d’Or.

There is said to be no ill-feeling between Sterling and Guardiola over the 27-year-old’s decision to leave.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that, after leaving Jamaica at a young age, Sterling grew up in London.