Raheem Sterling finds new Chelsea escape route as Man Utd danger emerges

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Serie A giants Napoli could offer Raheem Sterling an end to his Chelsea nightmare. The England star has proven to be an awful signing for the Blues following his £50m move from Manchester City .

Sterling has found himself out in the cold over recent seasons and was sent out on loan to Arsenal last term. He has remained exiled this campaign, having not been given a place in the Blues’ Premier League squad by former boss Enzo Maresca .

His rotten spell with Chelsea could soon come to an end, however. According to Corriere dello Sport , reigning Italian champions Napoli have reignited their interest in Sterling having eyed him in the summer.

It is suggested that Antonio Conte wants to add more attacking options to his squad. However, a move will depend on funds being generated, with finances tight.

Luca Marianucci and Lorenzo Lucca could both leave the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona before the end of the January window which would leave space for Sterling. Should he complete a move to Napoli, he would become the latest Premier League misfit to choose to relocate to Naples, with the chance of repeating their rival's mistake a genuine possibility.

Former Manchester United duo Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have both signed for the Italian side over recent seasons. The Scottish midfielder has enjoyed huge success, having helped the club to the Serie A crown last season.

Hojlund has also shone after his move last summer. He initially joined Napoli on loan with an option to buy and has since scored nine goals in all competitions - more than any current Man United player.

Sterling will hope to enjoy a similar renaissance should he move to Italy. The 31-year-old has not played a competitive game for Chelsea since the 2023/24 campaign. He still has 18 months left on his current contract.

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Sterling is not the only player that Chelsea have a decision to make over. French defender Axel Disasi has also been left out of the club’s Premier League squad for the season and is expected to pursue an exit before the end of the month.

Those calls will likely fall on the club’s transfer chiefs, with new boss Liam Rosenior in the middle of preparations for his first game in charge. The 41-year-old replaced Enzo Maresca earlier this month and takes charge of his debut match on Saturday as Chelsea take on Championship side Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup .

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