German giants seeking loan move for Chelsea star

Chelsea begin their preparations for the upcoming season with a friendly against German side Bayer Leverkusen on August 8. 

Enzo Maresca’s side have lifted both the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup in the past two months, but their success in the latter meant their preparations for the new season have been somewhat delayed.

The Blues will face Leverkusen and Italian side AC Milan at Stamford Bridge, before beginning their Premier League campaign against London rivals Crystal Palace.

In the meantime, it has emerged that their pre-season opponents Leverkusen are interested in one member of Maresca’s squad.

According to CaughtOffside, Leverkusen are exploring a move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.

The 30-year-old joined the Blues from Manchester City in 2022 after a hugely successful spell at The Etihad, but his time at Chelsea has not gone to plan so far.

Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal (Photo: News Images LTD/Alamy)

The Englishman has scored 19 goals in 81 games for the West London side, as well as registering 15 assists.

He was sent on loan to rivals Arsenal last summer, but failed to score for the Gunners in the Premier League and started just seven of Mikel Arteta’s side’s 38 games in the competition.

According to the report, the 2023/24 Bundesliga champions are hoping to sign the 82-time England international on loan.

Sterling is also said to have attracted interest from Italian outfit Juventus, but the Blues are said to be keen to sell the player and value him at around £20 million.

The winger’s wages are also likely to prove to be an issue, as he is one of the higher earners at the Premier League side at present.

Sterling’s contract with Chelsea is set to run until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.