Barcelona eye Chelsea star who Xavi believes could be 'best player in the world'

Suraj Radia

• 7 Mar 2024 13:43 CST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are hoping to capitalise on the declining financial situation at Chelsea by pushing for a cut-price deal on one of their long-term transfer targets.

It was revealed this week that Chelsea made a pre-tax loss of £90 million last year amid fears that the club will struggle to meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

The Blues have spent more than €1 billion on players since the takeover by Todd Boehly in 2022 but they look on course to miss out on European football for a second consecutive season, which would significantly dent their revenue potential.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer news

The Premier League side have also struggled to get the best out of their signings on the pitch and may be forced into replacing Mauricio Pochettino while also selling key players to balance the books.

However, there is still a desire to strengthen the squad despite the tight constraints on spending, with Nico Williams the latest player to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Any transfer for Williams would require a player such as Mykhailo Mudryk or Noni Madueke to be sold, although Catalan outlet El Nacional believes there is another option, with Barcelona ready to provide a small reprieve to Chelsea’s financial woes.

Chelsea open to Sterling departure

The report claims that Raheem Sterling has been added to Barcelona’s shortlist after accepting the difficulty in targeting their ideal options for the left flank such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or a permanent move for Joao Felix.

Sterling has long been a player admired by Barcelona’s regime, including Xavi, who once said the England international could become ‘the best player in the world’.

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer news

However, Sterling has proven disappointing since his €56m transfer to Chelsea in 2022 and the 29-year-old has scored just one goal in his last 12 games across all competitions.

Sterling is one of Chelsea’s highest earners as well as one of the oldest players in their young squad and the Blues would be open to selling him in the summer, although transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said recently that there was no interest in him currently.

But should Chelsea be willing to sell the winger at a loss for around €30m, Barcelona are said to be interested in a transfer despite his high wages and inconsistent displays.