West Ham United want Raheem Sterling transfer after surprise Chelsea update
Raheem Sterling has emerged as a surprise transfer target at West Ham after being told he is not in Chelsea’s long-term plans, according to Graham Bailey.
Speaking to TBR Football, the transfer expert said that the Hammers are “keeping tabs” on his situation should the 29-year-old winger move on from Stamford Bridge this summer.
Sterling is reportedly keen to stay put at Chelsea having rejected advances from Saudi Arabian and Turkish clubs, but a move across the capital to the London Stadium could be a move which interests him.
Julen Lopetegui is actively on the hunt for attacking players, and although Sterling wouldn’t come cheap – Chelsea paid £47.5million for him in 2022 – his signature would be a statement of intent [Evening Standard].
Raheem Sterling transfer would be massive coup for West Ham
As first transfer windows go for a new manager of any club, signing a seasoned England international integral to several Premier League title wins would certainly see Lopetegui make a splash this summer.
Sterling’s career may be on a slight downturn after two inconsistent seasons at Chelsea, but having won 82 caps for his country and lifting four top-flight titles, the 29-year-old still has plenty left to give.
If the Hammers did sign Sterling, their other transfer targets out wide would take a back seat, though Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme is already on his way from Palmeiras for £25.5million [GE Globo].
Adding Sterling to the Irons’ attacking third would go some way towards helping make up for the potential loss of Lucas Paqueta next season, who faces a lengthy ban for breaching FA betting rules.
Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus’ form has earned both plaudits and links with a move away, but the opportunity to play the pair alongside Sterling in attack will have Lopetegui hell-bent on ensuring the pair stay put at West Ham this summer [Sky Sports].
In other West Ham news, one player was slammed by the press after a below-par display for his national team.
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