Following confirmation from Enzo Maresca and Chelsea FC that Raheem Sterling, along with several other players, is not part of the new head coach’s plans, Crystal Palace has expressed interest in signing the English forward. Aston Villa is also reportedly involved in the situation. With the transfer deadline just a week away, Chelsea faces the challenging task of offloading surplus players, including Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Crystal Palace is keen on acquiring a player with Sterling’s experience, and given Chelsea’s urgent need to sell, a deal could be financially feasible for the club. However, Sterling’s current weekly wage of £320,000 is a significant factor that Palace must consider, as noted by The Daily Mail.
Sterling was omitted from Maresca’s squad for the match against Manchester City, prompting his representatives to request “clarity” on his future at Chelsea. The player and the club are reportedly negotiating to find a resolution that would facilitate his departure.
Maresca addressed the situation, stating, “I try to be honest with all of them. The noise is coming from outside. More than 15 players are training separately, not with the team. I spoke with Raheem before the Manchester City game and told him that he would find it difficult to get minutes with us. Similarly, I informed Chilly that, despite being a great guy, he would struggle in his position. It’s not harsh, it’s honest. I am working with 21 players, not 42. It’s not as chaotic as it may seem from the outside.”
