Chelsea's main attacking transfer target Raheem Sterling has been told that he will be picked ahead of the likes of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner if he joins. But that may not be the case for Kai Havertz as manager Thomas Tuchel looks to mould a new attack for 2022/23 without Romelu Lukaku.
The club-record signing is now very close to completing his loan return to Inter Milan as his wishes seem to have been granted by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly who is looking for a swift conclusion to these negotiations. It is understood once Lukaku's loan is confirmed, Sterling will be viewed as the first priority in this new Blues rebuild.
The Athletic first reported that the Blues are confident of completing a deal to sign the Three Lions international with the price point the only stumbling block at this current time. Additionally, Sterling is said to be keen on moving to London and has even signalled his intent by seeking out a number of people at Chelsea to get the lowdown on Thomas Tuchel and other aspects of the club.
READ MORE: Chelsea and Man City eye Raheem Sterling compromise amid Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez verdict
The likes of Ousmane Dembele and Christopher Nkunku are two options that are being considered in an attacking re-shuffle. It remains to be seen how many attacking players will be acquired come the end of the transfer window, with the defensive areas also an area of concern following Andreas Christensen's and Antonio Rudiger.
The major activity expected in the forward areas could also impact outgoings, with it being well known already that players such as Pulisic, Ziyech and Werner are not content with their current roles in Tuchel's squad, so there may be departures if Chelsea and Man City can agree on a £45million figure for Sterling.
But if all attackers were to remain put and Sterling - who is held in a high regard by both Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi - was to arrive, then it has been predicted that besides Havertz, he would be picked regularly ahead of the others.
This is the view of ESPN pundit Steve Nicol: "If [Sterling] goes there, he starts. Pulisic and Ziyech all of them, apart from Havertz, I don’t think he trusts them. They say he trusts Werner, you look at how many times he starts, it doesn't seem to me he’s really enamoured with him.
"The only person other than Havertz is Mason Mount, and Sterling if he goes to Chelsea absolutely would play more games. This has to be about playing more games, you don’t go from City to Chelsea who are way off, way off the pace challenging for the Premier League or Champions League. I think it’s a good move for Chelsea regardless of who’s decision because Sterling starts above every other one of them."
Former Liverpool and West Ham midfielder Don Hutchison also says that Sterling is underrated, and that the Man City star is only getting better with age.
"I think he’s a really underrated player, he’s got a lot of tools in his armoury, he’s an amazing talent, he’s got better as he’s got older," he told the BBC Football Daily podcast.
"It must be quite tough for him and Man City players playing under Pep, especially when you're not in the first 11 and you’re not one of the top boys there so I understand if Chelsea come in. I think it would be a statement signing for Chelsea."
Chelsea fans- Do you agree with both Steve Nicol's and Don Hutchinson's verdict on the Blues' move for Raheem Sterling and what would his best position be in the frontline next season? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section!
