Chelsea have agreed terms with Manchester City for England winger Raheem Sterling. The deal is worth up to £50m including add-ons and Sterling is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge on a five-year contract with the option of a further year. Sterling will have to undergo a medical before the deal is announced. The 27-year-old has a year left on his contract at City and had attracted interest from major clubs abroad. City signed Sterling from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015 and he has scored 131 goals in 339 games. If the deal goes through, Sterling – who has 77 England caps – would become Chelsea’s first major signing since taking over a joint venture under Todd Boehly this summer. It is expected that the deal will be done in time for Sterling to link up with the Chelsea squad before they leave for their tour of the United States next week. BBC Sport understands the decisions by all sides were amicable, but Sterling wants a new challenge and has been impressed by Blues manager Thomas Tuchel’s vision and the role he has outlined for him. Other big clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were also interested in Sterling, but the player was swayed by Chelsea’s public and private desire to sign him. City wanted Sterling to stay and have no ill feelings about the club or manager Pep Guardiola. However, he sees this as the most important contract of his career and wants to play a key role at a club that is chasing all the big accolades. Sterling still has team and professional goals to fulfil, including winning the Ballon d’Or. Apart from Manchester United players, only John Terry and former City team-mate Fernandinho have won more than his four Premier League titles, but he is yet to win a Champions League. Sterling has sparked debate over his City future and is understood to appreciate the space he has been given to make up his mind.
Sterling strengthens Chelsea’s attacking options
Tuchel has been looking to strengthen his attacking ranks following the return of Romelu Lukaku to Inter on a season-long loan.
The Belgian striker was the Blues’ top scorer last season with 15 goals in all competitions, just ahead of Kai Havertz (14) and Mason Mount (13).
Since Guardiola took over in 2016, only Sergio Aguero (124) has scored more goals for City than Sterling (120).
Sterling scored 13 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season as they won their fourth league title, their ninth major honor in seven seasons with City.
Watch: Sterling joins Premier League club 100 – best goals and stats
But his opportunities have been limited by the signing of Jack Grealish last summer, while strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez have arrived at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Sterling was on the bench for both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid and the epic final game of the season against Aston Villa.
However, he sparked that memorable final-day comeback, setting up Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial first goal as City came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and pip Liverpool to the league title.
