Despite not featuring in Enzo Maresca’s plans, Raheem Sterling is reportedly still pocketing a staggering £325,000-a-week at Chelsea.
The 30-year-old winger was loaned out to Arsenal last season after Maresca made it clear that Sterling did not fit into his strategy. He made 17 appearances for the Gunners in the Premier League, contributing just two assists.
The England international was primarily used as a substitute, averaging less than 30 minutes per game. Despite a lacklustre stint in north London, the Englishman still attracted attention from top European clubs.
Over the summer transfer window, GiveMeSport reported that Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus were keen on Sterling. They added that Chelsea would have let him go for a £20million bid, but no deal ultimately came to fruition.
Having returned to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer, Sterling continues to train separately from the first team as part of what has been labelled the club’s ‘bomb squad. ‘ Most of Chelsea’s surplus players managed to secure moves away before the summer transfer window shut on Monday.
However, Sterling, centre-back Axel Disasi, and striker David Datro Fofana remain on the club’s books.
With two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract, BBC Sport reports that the 82-cap England international, Sterling, is still owed around £30m in wages by Chelsea.
This summer, Stamford Bridge officials were also approached by Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Ham – but the transfer never materialised.
Reports suggest that Sterling, who moved his family to London when he signed for Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022, is reluctant to relocate them once more just three years later.
His son, Thiago, is presently enrolled in Arsenal’s academy, hoping to emulate his father’s career path.
Last year, when explaining his decision to omit Sterling from his squad, Maresca said: “I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer a different kind of winger.
“We have a big squad and it is impossible to give all of them minutes, so probably it is better to leave. Brutal? I just try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game and said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. [Ben] Chilwell is a lovely guy but because of his position he is going to struggle with us.”
Chilwell ultimately transferred to Strasbourg owing to limited playing opportunities.