The forward has reportedly expressed a desire to leave Stamford Bridge and the Italian boss is not expected to stand in his way.
Raheem Sterling is rumoured to have indicated his desire to leave Chelsea permanently after being informed that he is not part of the club's future plans.
Sterling’s uncertain Chelsea future
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The 29-year-old has been training separately from the first team while both parties explore options for a departure from Stamford Bridge.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are working closely with the winger to find a suitable solution, which he prefers to be a permanent transfer rather than a loan move.
![Raheem Sterling](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/19082024/339462f0-3761-4d38-8083-f546e07e9f91.webp?operations=fit(480:))
Sterling was disappointed to be excluded from the matchday squad for Chelsea's opening Premier League fixture against Manchester City, causing a stir with a statement via his representatives before Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Pep Guardiola’s side.
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The former City and Liverpool attacker made 43 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea under previous manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, with the additions of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Marc Guiu this summer, the wide attacker’s playing time is expected to be limited.
![Enzo Maresca and Raheem Sterling](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/19082024/81713545-a6ea-4559-b303-69a40048efb7.png?operations=fit(480:))
What Maresca said about Sterling’s Chelsea future
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that he prefers different types of wingers and that Sterling and Ben Chilwell, who is also surplus to requirements, are looking for more playing opportunities.
![Enzo Maresca](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18082024/388c40bd-8d7f-4562-923e-8ed925d8a315.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Maresca indicated it would be better for them to leave the club if they seek regular playing time.
“I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers,” Maresca said on Wednesday.
“They are training apart,” he added regarding Sterling and Ben Chilwell.
“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.”
![Revealed: Why Enzo Maresca dropped Adarabioyo, Sterling, and Chilwell out of the Europa Conference League squad](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21082024/7f7735a1-4afa-4b8a-8e0d-f61ff0732609.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:58 - 21.08.2024
Revealed: Why Enzo Maresca dropped Adarabioyo, Sterling, and Chilwell out of the Europa Conference League squad
Maresca said it was a mistake omit Tosin Adarabioyo from the squad.
What comes next?
Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for around £47.5 million and has three years remaining on his current deal.
The winger is not expected to play in the Blues’ Conference League match against Servette on Thursday or their Premier League match at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 25.