Manchester City are undergoing some major changes before next season as they aim to build up an even stronger side that can help them challenge for every major trophy.
The Citizens have already roped in Erling Haaland as their marquee signing of the summer, as well as signing promising Argentine youngster Julian Alvarez.
But now City’s attacking line is rather bloated. Some departures are needed to maintain the right balance in squad depth and Pep Guardiola’s side are ready to allow winger Raheem Sterling to leave after it was clear he lost his regular role in the team last season.
Sterling only started 23 Premier League games last season, which is not as much as he’d like to play. The 27-year-old is nearing his peak years and he’ll want to join a club that will treat him like a real star. Here are three potential destinations for Sterling next season.
Sterling from City to Chelsea?
Sterling might prefer the possibility of staying in England if he were to leave City this summer. A team that have recently displayed interest are fellow Premier League side Chelsea (as per Gianluca di Marzio), with new-owner Todd Boehly wanting to make him his first signing at Stamford Bridge.
The England winger could be tempted to move to Chelsea if Thomas Tuchel assures him a big role and regular playing time. Sterline is comfortable as an attacking left wing and he’d be a really nice fit for the Blues.
Moreover, the prospect of playing with quality, creative players like Mason Mount, Reece James and Mateo Kovacic would be tempting.
Raheem had 19 goal contributions (13 goals and 6 assists) in 30 Premier League appearances last season, so he’s capable of thriving against any opposition in the league. If Chelsea can build the attack around him, he could look to double that tally and help the Blues challenge for major titles.
Arsenal can set their team around Sterling
If Sterling wants to be the undisputed star of his team, he could seek out a move to North London. A move to Arsenal might be appealing to him. Mikel Arteta’s side are craving for a world-class attacker in their frontline and are actively trying to sign Sterling’s teammate Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners are willing to sign Sterling this summer (as per The Telegraph) and believe he’d provide a massive upgrade to their attack.
Raheem could expect to start virtually every game for Arsenal and be the leader of their frontline, getting enough leverage and freedom to do things his own way.
Moreover, the challenge of getting Arsenal back in the Premier League Top-3 and fighting for trophies would be an intriguing one for Sterling. He knows that if he’s able to help the Gunners win something big, he’d be heralded as a hero by millions.
AC Milan: Raheem to move abroad?
The 27-year-old England international could also seek a move away from England if it seems the right fit. AC Milan and their new owners have Sterling on their summer transfer wish list (as per the Mirror).
A move to Serie A might be attractive to Raheem because ex-Premier League stars are thriving there. Fellow Englishmen Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham have been brilliant for AS Roma, with the ex-Chelsea striker scoring 26 goals last season.
Sterling can record big goal numbers in Serie A, possibly getting over 35-40 goal contributions, especially for the defending Italian champions in Milan.
AC Milan – historically a European giant – are trying to regain their status among Europe’s best. The challenge of getting to that level again could be attractive for Raheem and convince him to make the switch abroad.