Raheem Sterling offered chance to end Chelsea nightmare as Euro giants draw up shortlist

Raheem Sterling has reportedly emerged as a surprise transfer target for Juventus after being shortlisted by the Italian giants. Sterling has endured a turbulent time at Chelsea since joining the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

The England winger has scored 19 goals and registered 12 assists for Chelsea in all competitions during his two-year spell at the club. It seems he will be offered the chance to take on a fresh challenge in Italy, with Juventus said to be keen on bringing him to the Allianz Stadium.

Sterling is one of several names on a shortlist of attacking players Juventus would like to sign before the window slams shut, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. It is said that Chelsea’s imminent capture of Wolves winger Pedro Neto could open the door for Sterling to leave the club.

Juventus are reportedly taking steps to determine whether a move for Sterling in the final weeks of the window would be a realistic prospect. They are expecting to face stiff competition for his signature, with other clubs in the Premier League and Serie A believed to be keen.

If the Chelsea winger completes a permanent move to Juventus this summer, he would pop up as a regular starter in the wide positions for them. However, he is not the only name on their shortlist, with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Nico Gonzalez also said to be under consideration.

It comes after Chelsea edged closer to the signing of Neto from Wolves in a deal worth up to £54million. The 24-year-old is said to be keen on moving to Stamford Bridge and has already settled on personal terms, with a medical to follow in the coming days.

Sterling recently underlined his desire to work his way back into the England squad following the departure of Gareth Southgate, suggesting that a move to Juventus would be a smart one if it leads to a higher number of minutes than he would receive at Chelsea.

Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “If the opportunity comes around, it is something that I’ve always dreamt of as a kid and managed to do it. I had some great memories with the national team. Football has different timings, there was a period with a lot of injuries and comebacks.

“It was a different part of my life. I am looking forward to getting back in the England setup, that is for sure. Of course, I love playing for England. It is one of the best feelings you can ever have.”