Chelsea transfer news: Raheem Sterling 'asking price set' by Blues amid interest from Champions League club

Chelsea have reportedly set the asking price of winger Raheem Sterling ahead of his expected departure from Stamford Bridge.

Having never played a competitive game since the arrival of Enzo Maresca, it is clear that the England international has no future with the Blues.

All parties had hoped that a season-long loan to Arsenal would lead to a permanent move being discussed, but that was never a realistic option after Sterling failed to make any impact at the Emirates Stadium.

After only contributing four assists from his 23 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, rarely from the starting lineup, Sterling is now back at his parent club.

According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old has already started pre-season training in a bid to get fit for when an opportunity arises.

What is Sterling asking price?

The report claims that Chelsea would be prepared to accept offers in the region of £20m.

A club that will be competing in next season's Champions League are said to be monitoring the situation and could make a formal approach in due course.

Sterling still has two years remaining on his contract and has accepted that he will not be reintegrated back into the fold at the West Londoners.

However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea or the player will have to lower their expectations ahead of attempting to facilitate a transfer.

Chelsea will need to change Sterling stance

Realistically speaking, there is no club in world football who will be prepared to pay £20m for Sterling, particularly when his wages are so high.

That is despite his number at Chelsea being respectable enough. In his second season at the club under Mauricio Pochettino, he chipped in with eight goals and seven assists from 31 Premier League games.

In his one campaign at Arsenal, though, Mikel Arteta provided him with fewer than 500 minutes in the Premier League, contributing just two assists across 17 outings.

Chelsea's stance comes from wanting to avoid making a loss when it comes to the Premier League's and UEFA's financial regulations.

Nevertheless, getting Sterling's wages off their outgoings is as important as generating a fee, and it will take a compromise from club officials to aid their efforts to sell him.

Written by
Darren Plant