Thomas Tuchel is optimistic the signing of Raheem Sterling will enable Chelsea to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City this season.
The Londoners ended the 2021/22 campaign 18 points behind the Reds and 19 adrift of Pep Guardiola's champions despite being firmly in the title hunt in the opening months of last term. Top-flight disappointment was compounded by two cup final defeats to Liverpool and a quarter-final exit from the Champions League.
Roman Abramovich's reported ties to Russia president Vladimir Putin ensured Chelsea endured a season to forget, although belief is slowly building under new owner Todd Boehly. The American businessman sanctioned the £50millon deal to sign Sterling and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to be the next individual to put pen to paper on a contract at Stamford Bridge.
