Raheem Sterling is said to have already passed Thomas Tuchel's test to join Chelsea this summer but, in doing so, the Blues have a difficult decision on their hands. The Manchester City forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although Real Madrid and Arsenal are also said to be interested.
But, should the west Londoners win the 27-year-old's signature, it will cast doubt over the futures of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, according to The Athletic. The report outlines that Sterling - and well as possibly Ousmane Dembele - would be signings that could see Tuchel replace the Chelsea pair.
England international Sterling, valued at around £59million by CIES Football Observatory, featured 30 times for Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League last season, directly contributing to 19 goals. Sterling, who sees his contract at the Etihad expire in 2023, has operated across City's front-three in spectacular fashion, arming Tuchel with another option in the false-nine role.
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Kai Havertz has made that role his own, with the Chelsea opting for the German's services over that of out-of-favour Romelu Lukaku. But, with Sterling also at Tuchel's disposal, the former Bayer Leverkusen technician can be granted greater creative freedom.
And, with a move reportedly a possibility, former Chelsea defender Scott Minto has told Sterling a move to Stamford Bridge would be 'perfect'. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "Raheem Sterling is even more a no-brainer [for Chelsea], I mean my goodness. You kind of think ‘Well where would he go?' He isn’t going back to Liverpool, he isn’t going to go to [Manchester] United.
"Next best? Well, United are way down there, but Chelsea would be perfect for him. Chelsea and Spurs I think would be two good moves for him, but Chelsea still I think they would be able to bridge that gap certainly more than what Spurs could do so I would absolutely go for it."
Speaking previously to football.london of a rebuild, Tuchel said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
