Aston Villa make non-negotiable Chelsea demand amid Raheem Sterling speculation
Aston Villa have spoken to Chelsea about the possibility of taking Raheem Sterling on loan.
The Villans have opened talks with the Blues over a season-long loan after being offered Sterling, but will only go through with any deal if a demand is accepted.
Unai Emery is eager to add depth on the flanks - preferably with one versatile player - ahead of Villa’s first campaign in the UEFA Champions League. Joao Felix was the dream target to bolster the front line but the Portugal international joined Chelsea instead.
Sterling is being considered as an option but a deal is only possible if Chelsea pay a significant share of the player’s wages, Birmingham World understands. It’s simply a non-starter if the Blues don’t adhere to Villa’s request as Sterling earns a staggering £325,000 per week.
A permanent move is a slight possibility but only if Chelsea demand a reasonable fee and Sterling takes a hefty wage cut. Emery needs to be convinced the winger still has the ability to warrant a regular starting spot – as well as the longevity if it’s to be a longer-term move.
The Athletic reports that the former England international, now 29, would prefer to depart Chelsea permanently after being told he’s not in manager Enzo Maresca’s plans. Being stripped of the number seven shirt in favour of new signing Pedro Neto hasn’t helped matters, either.
“I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers,” Maresca admitted on Wednesday. “They are training apart,” the head coach said of Sterling and teammate Ben Chilwell, who is also on the transfer list.
“The situation with both of them is quite clear. We have a big squad and it’s impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes it’s better for them to leave. I try to be honest,” Maresca said, via The Athletic.