Sterling is leaving Maresca's bomb-squad but staying in London

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, currently out of favour at Stamford Bridge, could be on the move when the January transfer window opens, with Fulham reportedly still keen to secure his services. The Cottagers have explored the possibility of signing the England international before, and Sterling has yet to feature this season after being deemed surplus to requirements by Blues head coach Enzo Maresca.

According to a new TEAMtalk report, Fulham are planning a move for Sterling, who – along with defender Axel Disasi and striker David Datro Fofana – is part of a group of players currently training away from Chelsea’s first-team squad.

The report suggests Chelsea are willing to shoulder a substantial portion of Sterling’s reported 325,000 pounds-per-week wages to facilitate a January exit.

Despite this, Fulham’s main focus remains PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi. Earlier this week, The Athletic revealed that the Cottagers’ initial 26 million pounds bid for the USMNT forward was rejected, but a second approach is now reportedly being prioritised.

Pepi, 22, has been in impressive form for Eredivisie leaders PSV this season, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, following 17 goals in 28 games during the 2024-25 campaign.

Sterling, 31, was informed by Maresca last summer that he has no future at Chelsea. According to the BBC, Fulham remain interested in signing the former Liverpool star, whose contract runs until June 2027. It’s understood that Sterling would prefer to stay in London for family reasons, with his son Thiago having joined Arsenal’s youth academy over the summer.

Elsewhere, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Serie A heavyweights Juventus and Napoli, have also been linked with the England international, with all three clubs competing in this season’s Champions League.

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

Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in July 2022 for a 50 milion pounds fee. Since then, he has made 81 appearances for the Blues, scoring 19 goals, and has earned 82 caps for England, netting 20 times.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 19

Tuesday

Burnley - Newcastle 1-3 (1-2)

/Laurent 23 - Joelinton 2, Wissa 7, Guimaraes 90+3/

Chelsea - Bournemouth 2-2 (2-2)

/Palmer 15 pen, Fernandez 23 - Brooks 6, Kluivert 27/

Nott. Forest - Everton 0-2 (0-1)

/Garner 19, Barry 79/

West Ham - Brighton 2-2 (2-1)

/Bowen 10, Paqueta 45+4 pen - Welbeck 32 pen, Veltman 61/

Arsenal - Aston Villa 4-1 (0-0)

/Gabriel 48, Zubimendi 52, Trossard 69, Jesus 78 - Watkins 90+4

Man. Utd - Wolverhampton 1-1 (1-1)

/Zirkzee 27 - Krejci 45/

Thursday

20.30: (2.25) Crystal Palace (3.35) Fulham (3.25)

20.30: (1.53) Liverpool (4.20) Leeds (6.25)

23.00: (2.35) Brentford (3.40) Tottenham (3.00)

23.00: (7.25) Sunderland (4.40) Man.City (1.45)

***odds are subject to change***