Journalist – Fulham join Arsenal in monitoring Sterling situation

Sterling’s position at Chelsea

Chelsea are weighing up fresh loan proposals for Sterling as they continue efforts to move on a number of first-team players before the transfer deadline. While both club and player would prefer a permanent exit, the prospect of a second successive loan is being actively considered.

The 30-year-old spent last season at Arsenal, where he featured 28 times but rarely from the start. His time at the Emirates offered mixed results, with one goal and five assists, though his professionalism and adaptability drew admiration. Sterling still has two years left on his Chelsea contract and has been training away from the main squad as discussions continue.

Sources close to the situation indicate that while the forward remains settled in London, he is open to opportunities elsewhere in the Premier League and potentially abroad. Fulham have shown interest, while other English and European clubs are monitoring developments.

Arsenal factor in Sterling talks

Arsenal’s move for Sterling last summer was finalised in the final hours of the transfer window, and there is a hope that this year a more measured approach can be taken. For Mikel Arteta’s side, the decision will rest on both tactical fit and financial viability.

Chelsea’s wage structure presents a significant obstacle. Sterling earns over £300,000 per week, a figure that has complicated negotiations with interested parties. Last season, Chelsea continued to pay a portion of his salary while he was on loan at Arsenal, and any similar deal would again require compromise from all sides.

Sterling’s career statistics highlight his experience at the top level: over 120 appearances for Liverpool, more than 300 for Manchester City, and nearly 100 for Chelsea. Yet his recent return of one goal for Arsenal underlines why suitors may approach with caution.

Chelsea’s wider transfer priorities

Sterling is just one name on a growing list of Chelsea players who could depart before the deadline. Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Tyrique George are all available for transfer or loan.

Bayern Munich have shown firm interest in Nkunku, though negotiations remain focused on whether a permanent deal can be struck rather than another loan. Jackson has admirers in Serie A, with Napoli exploring options, while Villa remain a possibility due to his links with Unai Emery.

Veiga, who came close to joining Atlético Madrid, has drawn approaches from Villarreal, while Chukwuemeka is holding out for a Borussia Dortmund return. Chilwell’s high salary continues to make a permanent exit difficult, and Disasi has been linked with both domestic and overseas suitors.

Chelsea’s ambition is clear: to raise close to £300 million in sales this summer, thereby reducing their net spend. The departures of Noni Madueke to Arsenal and Joao Felix to Al-Nassr have already generated significant funds, with further outgoings expected.

Future remains unresolved

For Sterling, the short-term picture remains uncertain. Staying in London would be his preference, and Fulham appear best placed to make that a reality, but options in Europe may yet develop. Chelsea’s determination to reshape their squad, coupled with Sterling’s wages, ensures that talks will continue up until the final days of the window.

While his long-term future remains in question, Sterling’s immediate priority is securing regular football at a competitive level. For both Arsenal and Chelsea, his next move will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the remaining transfer window.