Chelsea has mutually agreed to terminate Raheem Sterling’s contract, parting ways with the player.
This season, Sterling has not made any appearances for Chelsea, as he has been sidelined from the first team for the past 18 months.
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Last season, the winger was loaned to Arsenal, where he struggled to make an impact, netting only once in 28 matches across all competitions.
During the previous summer transfer window, Chelsea attempted to offload Sterling, but his substantial £325,000 weekly wages presented a major hurdle.
Now free to sign with any club, it will be interesting to see if previously interested teams will renew their pursuit of him.
West Ham United has recently completed the signing of Adama Traore from Fulham, while they are also expected to acquire Oscar Bobb from Manchester City.
This development could benefit Serie A heavyweights Napoli and Juventus, both of whom have previously shown interest in Sterling.
With Sterling being Chelsea’s highest earner by a significant margin, his departure will notably ease the club’s wage bill.
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As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, Chelsea may yet engage in some late business.
The club is in discussions with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes regarding a transfer for Jeremy Jacquet to strengthen their defense.
In the meantime, the team’s attention shifts to tonight’s Champions League group-stage finale against Napoli.
Chelsea needs a victory at Estadio Diego Armando Maradona to secure a spot in the top eight and avoid the extra challenge of the knockout play-off round.