Chelsea identify two replacements for the 'best player in the world'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 12 Mar 2024 21:10 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Michael Olise and Nico Williams as they search for a potential long-term replacement for Raheem Sterling.

Sterling, 29, has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and Barcelona in recent weeks amid his inconsistent form for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Although he is the most experienced member of Chelsea’s squad, Sterling has been rather underwhelming in recent weeks, scoring just once in his last 12 Premier League appearances.

READ MORE: Mudryk silences critics and sends Sterling message

He has been named as one of Chelsea’s potential exits this summer, along with a host of others, and the Blues have identified Olise and Williams as two possible replacements, according to CaughtOffside’s Rudy Galetti.

Manchester United are extremely interested in signing Olise - as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers - while Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both keen on landing Athletic Club wonderkid Williams.

However, despite Chelsea’s pursuit of both players, signing a new striker reportedly remains their priority, even though Nicolas Jackson has now scored 12 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Cole Palmer matches Jude Bellingham and breaks Chelsea RECORD

What has Xavi said about Raheem Sterling?

Spanish media have tipped Barcelona to enter the race for Sterling, who is a player greatly admired by Blaugrana boss Xavi.

Back in 2019, the Barca legend was asked who will take over from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s best player.

In response, Xavi admitted: “You look at young players who can be crowned the future best in the world and you still think of Neymar, [Kylian] Mbappe, [Mohamed] Salah, and of course Sterling. I look at the moment - and Sterling is winning that race.

“He's always been a good player, a dangerous player, but under Pep he has become one of the best in the world.

“I know how Pep works - he would have worked closely with him since his arrival - where he needs to improve and what he needed to work on.

“We're now seeing the results of that - he's still young and can be the world's best.”