Can Napoli free Sterling from his London prison?

Raheem Sterling is weighing up a possible exit from Chelsea as he searches for a way out of a situation that has stalled his career, with his high-value contract increasingly seen as a burden rather than a blessing. The 31-year-old winger has resurfaced on Napoli’s radar, with the Italian club exploring attacking options under a tightly controlled “zero balance” transfer strategy.

Napoli’s interest in Sterling has been revived as the England international looks to close the chapter on his time at Stamford Bridge. He has not played a competitive minute for Chelsea this season and has effectively been sidelined since the end of his loan spell at Arsenal last term, leaving him eager for a fresh start.

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Sterling is determined to leave London and find a solution to a contract that has become restrictive to his ambitions. Still keen to play regularly, the experienced forward fits Napoli’s profile thanks to his ability to operate across the front line.

The Serie A side had already considered Sterling in the summer, and his name is once again under discussion as sporting director Giovanni Manna searches for affordable ways to strengthen the squad. Any potential move, though, is complicated by Napoli’s January transfer framework, which allows no spending without corresponding sales.

Defender slips away from Chelsea's bomb squad, leaving Sterling its last member

A possible key to unlocking Napoli’s plans lies in the future of Lorenzo Lucca. The striker, signed from Udinese in a deal worth 35 milion euros, has attracted serious interest from Benfica. The Portuguese club, coached by Jose Mourinho, are pushing for a deal but have balked at Napoli’s 30 milion euros asking price.

With talks at a standstill and Nottingham Forest also keeping tabs on the situation, Lucca’s next move could prove decisive for Napoli’s winter business — and for Sterling’s chances of heading to Italy.