How Chelsea will line up with Raheem Sterling
FT Desk
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea are closing in on a transfer for Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling, having had a bid of £50 million (€59m) accepted by the Premier League champions.
The majority of this will be paid up front to City, with a bonus package of £2.5m in the pipeline should he hit certain targets at Stamford Bridge.
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After a slow start to the transfer window from Thomas Tuchel’s side, this is a sure sign that things are starting to accelerate following the takeover by Todd Boehly’s consortium at the end of May.
A busy summer is expected for the Blues, and this deal is an important first step to change.
So how are Chelsea now set to line up with Raheem Sterling amongst their ranks?
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Edouard Mendy will continue in goal as Chelsea attempt to offload expensive flop Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Thomas Tuchel will likely continue with a back three, but there will be something of a revolution in terms of personnel. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left this summer to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Assuming Cesar Azpilicueta doesn’t follow these two out of the door, he will start at right centre back with timeless veteran Thiago Silva in the middle of the back three.
Chelsea will sign two at least two new centre-backs, with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde favourite to be the first defender through the door.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell – the latter returning from injury – will take the wing-back roles.
In the centre of midfield, the only guarantee right now is Mateo Kovacic. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are now in their thirties and see their deals expire in 2023, so it is possible one of these could be sold. It is also possible a top central midfielder could be signed.
As for the attack, Mason Mount (despite his own contract stalemate) will join Sterling in supporting the lone striker.
That lone forward won’t be Romelu Lukaku, who has returned to Inter Milan on loan after a very disappointing first season back with the Blues. That means Kai Havertz will continue as an unorthodox number 9 for now, although there is a chance Chelsea could sign a new starting forward.
