Chelsea have reportedly set a price tag for winger Raheem Sterling, who is now facing an uncertain future after a difficult loan spell at Arsenal. The former endured perhaps the worst season of his career in 2024/25, managing just one goal in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea, has no prospects of returning to the Emirates, with the Gunners opting to sign Noni Madueke instead. Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen to offload several high-profile players as part of a summer clear-out.
Despite spending £210 million on seven new signings this summer, Chelsea are struggling to find buyers for a sizable group of unwanted stars. Alongside Sterling, the so-called “bomb-squad” at Stamford Bridge includes names such as Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Axel Disasi, and Ben Chilwell.
Sterling, who was informed by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca last season that he was no longer part of the club’s plans, is the highest-profile player among those up for sale. According to The Sun, Chelsea have set an asking price of £20 million for the former England international, representing less than half of the £47.5 million they paid Manchester City for Sterling three years ago.
However, progress on Sterling’s departure has been slow. No formal talks have yet taken place between the club and the player, with Sterling’s reported £325,000-a-week wages a significant obstacle. Few clubs are able to match such a salary, meaning Sterling may seek a compensation package from Chelsea before completing a permanent transfer.
According to reports, the 30-year-old remains uninterested in moves to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer, much like last summer. Sterling is said to prefer staying in the Premier League, ideally signing for a London club where his family is settled. His eight-year-old son, Thiago, recently joined Arsenal’s academy, further rooting the family in the capital.
Crystal Palace expressed interest in Sterling last summer, but it remains unclear whether they or other London-based Premier League clubs such as Tottenham, Brentford, Fulham, or West Ham will pursue the forward following his disappointing 2024/25 campaign.
Given his struggles at Arsenal last season, the reported £20 million asking price for Sterling, while it may represent good value in today’s market, seems unrealistic, as it is unlikely that any club would be willing to pay that amount for the 30-year-old forward this summer.