Three Premier League clubs eye Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling despite nightmare Arsenal loan

Raheem Sterling is expected to leave Chelsea before the transfer window shuts, talkSPORT understands.

Although Chelsea would prefer a permanent exit, a loan has not been discounted.

Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham are three possibilities for Sterling, who talkSPORT understands would welcome staying in London.

Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in July 2022 for a fee of £47.5million and has gone on to make 81 appearances, scoring 19 times. He spent last season on loan with Arsenal, featuring 21 times.

The 30-year-old accepts he is not part of Enzo Maresca‘s plans, but remains contracted until 2027.

Fulham made an enquiry in July but are yet to make an offer to Chelsea. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Kevin, Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson and Basel’s Philip Otele are other attacking options under consideration.

Fulham could add two new attackers or wingers in the final days of the window.

Palace are yet to make any meaningful move, but enjoy a strong relationship with Chelsea, and took Ben Chilwell on loan in the second half of last season.

Eberechi Eze’s departure to Arsenal means Palace are now in the market for another attacker, but finding a no.10 is the first priority for the Eagles.

A West Ham move can’t be discounted either. Sterling enjoyed a strong relationship with Hammers boss Graham Potter during his time as manager at Stamford Bridge.

talkSPORT understands Sterling is waiting for Chelsea to present late window options. He is leaning towards staying in the Premier League, and in London.

Sterling has 82 caps for England and has not given up on a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.

Although making the team might seem a big ask as of now, Thomas Tuchel has made it clear to all senior England players he’ll judge them on 2025/26 form alone, with age not a driving factor.

It’s the same reason why Ivan Toney and Jordan Henderson are currently in Tuchel’s plans, and Jack Grealish also stands a chance of selection if his time at Everton goes well.

What is next for Sterling?

With two years left on his deal, Sterling is looking for the next step in his career.

The winger was hoping his loan move to Arsenal would allow him to show what he was capable of.

But it didn’t transpire like that, and he barely started a game across the whole season.

Sterling is reported to be earning over £300,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are willing to loan him out.

He is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, with the Italian yet to even speak about the former England international this summer.

Regarding his World Cup chances, talkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara believes he needs to find some consistent game time.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think he’s had a couple of opportunities now to go and do the business, and it hasn’t really worked out for him.

“The guy has loads of talent, he has been around the Premier League for a long time, and he’s been a top player.

“His performances just haven’t been at the level that you would expect from someone who has shown he’s a top player.

“Who says he can’t have a really good loan. Who is to say he can’t get back in the England squad.

“Sterling, on his day, can be a really good player. He is just inconsistent and doesn’t do it week in, week out.”

With time running out in the transfer window, Sterling needs a move away.

If he truly wants to get back into the England tam, he can’t have a year sitting in the reserves at Chelsea.

The question is how will the interested sides and the Blues come to an agreement over his wages.