Chelsea outcast prefers permanent exit following shock announcement from Maresca | OneFootball

Raheem Sterling’s preference is to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Sterling arrived at Chelsea in a deal worth £50m from Manchester City in 2022 and was billed as an marquee signing in the first window of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

It’s safe  to say things haven’t gone to a plan and in a rapidly evolving situation Enzo Maresca has confirmed the 29-year-old along with Ben Chilwell isn’t part of the Chelsea project going forward.

Sterling’s preference is a permanent exit

Despite having a largely positive pre-season Sterling was surprisingly omitted from the Chelsea squad for their defeat against Manchester City last weekend, which prompted his representatives to release a statement saying they would be seeking clarity on his future.

The England international was left out of squad for Thursday’s game against Servette in the Europa Conference League and Maresca confirmed in his pre match press conference that Sterling wasn’t part of the Chelsea project.

Attention will now turn to finding a solution before the transfer window closes and Ornstein has reported that Sterling’s preference is for a permanent exit.

Ornstein adds that Sterling trained away from the first team on Tuesday and Wednesday and that talks are planned for the coming days with Chelsea working with the Englishman in order to find a solution.

Sterling, who has three years left on his current contract was reportedly unhappy at being left out against City, but it now appears he’s played his final game for the club.

The winger is on huge wages in excess of £300,000  per week and it’s no secret Chelsea want that contract off their books.

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Sterling made 31 Premier League appearances under Mauricio Pochettino last season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

It remains to be seen what market there is for Sterling and how much Chelsea would demand for the player but they are in a race against the clock to find a solution.