Raheem Sterling has two Champions League clubs ready to end his Chelsea nightmare

Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus are both interested in Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling, talkSPORT understands.

A departure has been anticipated for the winger this summer after he was left out of the Blues’ squad for their Club World Cup triumph.

Sterling spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at London rivals Arsenal and scored just one goal in 28 appearances across all competitions.

The 30-year-old has been back in training at Chelsea for a second week and has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2027.

Chelsea, who are keen to offload the forward on a permanent deal, are understood to be open to another loan, with Leverkusen and Juventus showing an interest.

A move to either club would offer him Champions League football next season.

Sterling signed for Chelsea from Manchester City in a move worth £47.5million in July 2022.

He was the first statement signing made by the club following their Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover in the weeks prior.

The 82-time England international endured a difficult first season as he scored nine goals and Chelsea finished 12th in the Premier League.

Sterling hit ten goals alongside 11 assists in the following campaign, but his future in west London was soon met with uncertainty.

Head coach Enzo Maresca warned he would not get any minutes in his team if he stayed put.

A loan switch to Arsenal followed on Deadline Day and now Sterling, who is believed to be on £325k-a-week, could leave permanently.

What Maresca said on Sterling last summer

“I prefer to be honest with players. The ones who are not involved are not going to be involved and they won’t get any minutes if they stay.

“I don’t know what happens when the window closes if they are still here. The ones who will get minutes are the ones I think can help us.

“Raheem is a fantastic guy who has trained very well. Every manager has a different idea and he is the kind of winger that is not one that I like.

“History and numbers speak for Raheem. He knows exactly what he needs to do.

“The rest are training apart, they are not going to get minutes. I have been clear and honest with them.”

Chelsea signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for £55m at the beginning of the month.

The 20-year-old, who was part of the City academy before moving to Germany, has arrived as a new option for Maresca on the wings.

Club World Cup champions Chelsea have also welcomed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro as other attacking signings this summer.

talkSPORT understands that the Blues have also opened talks to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

Arsenal are also interested in the Dutchman, who can play on the left and right wings as well as in attacking midfield.

Chelsea are willing to pay up to £60m for Simons and he is believed to be open to a move to England.