Raheem Sterling Chelsea transfer meeting 'confirmed' as Enzo Maresca upholds 'honest' stance

A potential suitor will have the opportunity to present Chelsea a face-to-face offer for Raheem Sterling at the start of next month. The 30-year-old winger faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge following a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal.

Sterling, who swapped Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium in the final hours of last year's summer transfer window, featured 17 times for the Gunners in the Premier League, providing just two assists. The England international was often brought off the bench, averaging less than 30 minutes an appearance.

He was, however, given a handful of starts in the opening rounds of the Carabao Cup, enjoying wins over Bolton, Preston North End and Crystal Palace. But, once Arsenal reached the semi-finals, Sterling found himself on the bench again.

Despite an uninspiring stay in north London, the Englishman has managed to attract interest from some top European clubs. According to GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, Bayer Leverkusen and Juventuans are keen on Sterling.

The report claims that the forgotten Chelsea winger returned to pre-season training two weeks ago in anticipation of an exit. It's said Sterling is working on the basis that the Blues will present him with options.

Jacobs adds that the west Londoners will let him leave if they receive an offer worth £20m. Leverkusen officials will have the opportunity to meet Sterling face-to-face when they face Chelsea in a pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge on August 8.

While Erik ten Hag would probably prefer to take a look at the Englishman in action, the writing is already on the wall. Last year, Maresca revealed that Sterling was not in his plans.

"I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer a different kind of winger," said the Chelsea boss in August 2024. "We have a big squad and it is impossible to give all of them minutes, so probably it is better to leave.

"Brutal? I just try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game and said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. [Ben] Chilwell is a lovely guy but because of his position he is going to struggle with us."

In February 2025, Arteta provided an update on Sterling, who wasn't having the desired impact. The Arsenal boss said: "He's fully focused, he's trained really well this week, and he is ready to go again."

On if Sterling was low on confidence, Arteta added: "Hopefully not, because we try to give him as much as possible, but that's a question for him.

"We are all behind him, we want the best for him and it is important that we need his best. We need players only with that mindset, to impact the team. He is doing everything that he possibly can to make it work."

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