Paul Merson has suggested that there’s a Chelsea first-team player that would find it very hard to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
If rumours are to believed, it could be another busy summer transfer window around Stamford Bridge.
For example, The Evening Standard has claimed that Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen and Armando Broja are players that Chelsea would be willing to sell this summer.
Interestingly, Paul Merson has said there’s a different Chelsea player he couldn’t imagine many other clubs wanting to sign.
Paul Merson wouldn’t expect queue of clubs for Chelsea star
Merson has claimed that Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling is a high-profile individual he doesn’t think would be a realistic target for most sides, largely due to his astronomical wages.
Sterling, 29, has had a pretty average campaign by his standard, despite scoring eight goals and making eight assists in 40 appearances. His £350,000-a-week wage (Salary Sport) does bring its own kind of pressure and scrutiny.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “I like Raheem Sterling and still think he’s got lots to offer, but I don’t know how many takers he’ll have due to his wages. It’ll be interesting to see how his future pans out this summer.”
Raheem Sterling linked with exit
Despite Merson’s reservations, there’s been speculation about Sterling’s future with the end of the season drawing close.
The £50m winger (BBC) is under contract at Stamford Bridge for another three years until the summer of 2027, but could we see the Englishman move to try revive his best form?
GiveMeSport claimed back in March that Sterling is ‘almost certain’ to be sold by Chelsea at the end of the campaign because it’s agreed as the best next step by all parties.
It’s fair to say Chelsea fans haven’t seen Sterling at his peak during two years in west London. However, losing someone with his experience this summer when the group is already so young would be a big concern to weigh up.