Aston Villa has initiated discussions for Raheem Sterling, who is seeking a new challenge after being informed that he has no future at Chelsea.
Sterling has been absent from first-team training and is eager to depart Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes next Friday.
Villa has shown interest in the winger as they look to bolster Unai Emery’s squad with another attacker. However, moving the 29-year-old could be challenging, given he has three years remaining on a contract worth £325,000 a week. There’s a belief that Villa might consider a loan deal if a solution can be found regarding his wages.
Sterling, who has dropped down the pecking order following the arrivals of João Félix and Pedro Neto, prefers a permanent move and is willing to work with the club to find a solution after learning he is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans. The former Manchester City forward, who joined Chelsea for £47.5m two years ago, wants to be kept informed of potential opportunities.
Chelsea and Villa have been in frequent contact regarding transfers this summer. Villa made an attempt to acquire Conor Gallagher, who has since joined Atlético Madrid, and successfully signed Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. In return, Chelsea brought Omari Kellyman from Villa and expressed interest in Jhon Durán, the Colombia forward from Emery’s side. Discussions about Durán, who scored against West Ham last weekend, may resume if Maresca secures his desired new striker.
Chelsea’s primary target for an attacking signing is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, though he has no interest in a loan move away from Napoli. Meanwhile, representatives from Napoli have been in London to negotiate a deal for Romelu Lukaku, priced at £97.5m, from Chelsea. Ipswich is also poised to finalize a loan deal for Armando Broja.
