Chelsea ‘in talks’ with Man City as Blues seek double move for Sterling and defender

Jason Soutar
Reported Chelsea target Nathan Ake and Raheem Sterling during a training session

Chelsea are ‘in talks’ with Manchester City over a double deal involving Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake, according to reports.

The Blues are heavily linked with a move for England forward Sterling and are reportedly preparing a bid.


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Co-owner Todd Boehly is hard at work to get the club’s summer transfer window underway. They have also been linked with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele but are in dire need of defensive reinforcements.

And their former player, Ake, has emerged as a target. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are eyeing a double move involving the Dutch defender and Sterling.

Boehly ‘contacted’ City on Monday to check on the Premier League champions’ valuation of the two players.

Ake has now ‘moved towards the top’ of Chelsea’s centre-half shortlist, meanwhile, Sterling is one of Thomas Tuchel’s top priorities.

Tuchel is ‘attracted’ by the fact Ake is left-footed and can play left-back or defensive midfield.

The Dutch defender is ‘open to the idea’ of returning to the club he spent seven years with from the age of 15.

Chelsea have also been linked with Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde – who they agreed personal terms with last summer.

Alternatives to Sterling are Leeds United winger Raphinha and Everton forward Richarlison.

Boehly is currently acting as temporary sporting director and chairman after the exits of Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck.

The American was keen on Petr Cech remaining at the club, however, the club’s technical and performance advisor has decided to depart Stamford Bridge.

Cech said in a statement: “It has been a huge privilege to perform this role at Chelsea for the past three years.

“With the club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside.

“I am pleased that the club is now in an excellent position with the new owners, and I am confident of its future success both on and off the pitch.”