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Raheem Sterling could finally escape his Chelsea torment with three Premier League clubs battling for his signature. The England international has suffered a miserable spell after being informed by Enzo Maresca that his Stamford Bridge career was over.
His season-long Arsenal loan proved disappointing, managing just one goal across 28 outings in all competitions. The 30-year-old has returned to west London but remains desperate for fresh opportunities elsewhere.
A Premier League switch appears increasingly likely for the ex-Manchester City star as he searches for a new home. Reports from talkSPORT suggest London neighbours Fulham have registered their interest, whilst Crystal Palace are also monitoring his situation.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is said to be considering bringing him to West Ham before the campaign begins. Sterling reportedly favours remaining in the capital having moved his family to London.
However, his enormous £325k-per-week salary at Stamford Bridge presents a significant obstacle to any potential deal. Serie A winners Napoli had shown previous interest but withdrew due to financial constraints, reports the Mirror.
In an interview with the Financial Times this year, Sterling suggested he wouldn't rule out a foreign adventure. He explained: "If there was an opportunity to go somewhere else, (for more game time), I would be open to it at this moment in time.
"As I said, football is the most important thing to me - challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well, to play abroad."
Sterling has found himself in the midst of fresh transfer speculation as the Blues have shockingly removed the winger from their official website, leaving him without a photo or profile in the senior squad section. He is among nine players to be omitted, including Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu who are reportedly on the brink of permanent transfers to newly-promoted Burnley.
Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka and David Datro Fofana are also absent, with the final omission being Alfie Gilchrist. All these players are anticipated to depart Stamford Bridge permanently in the coming months.
Sterling, who moved from Manchester City to Chelsea for £47.5million in 2022, still has two years remaining on his contract. Since his arrival, he has made 81 appearances across all competitions, netting 19 goals.
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