Chelsea have reportedly learned Raheem Sterling's stance regarding a potential exit from Stamford Bridge.
During the 2022 summer transfer window, Sterling made the decision to leave Manchester City for a new challenge at the recently-purchased Blues.
In his two seasons at the West Londoners, the 29-year-old has contributed 19 goals and 12 assists from his 81 appearances in all competitions.
However, despite that being a respectable return in its own right, Sterling has failed to overwhelmingly win over the club's fanbase, partly due to some questionable in-game decision-making.
Sterling is now attempting to earn a place in Enzo Maresca's new-look side ahead of the new campaign, Chelsea ironically taking on Man City in their Premier League opener late on Sunday afternoon.
Nevertheless, in the background, there has been speculation regarding a potential transfer for the England international with Juventus said to hold an interest on some level.
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Sterling makes decision on future
There has been talk of the Italian giants having made contact with their Chelsea counterparts to establish what would be required to get a transfer over the line.
Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital would allegedly be open to negotiations in order to get the high-earning attacker off the wage bill.
Instead, as per Football Insider, Sterling has no intention of cutting short his stint with the West Londoners before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the wide player would prefer to fight for his place in Maresca's squad when three years still remain on his contract.
![Chelsea FC forward Raheem Sterling (7) takes a shot as Club America defender Cristian Calderon (18) defends during the friendly between Chelsea FC and Club America on July 31, 2024 [on August 9, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/32/raheem-sterling.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Chelsea FC forward Raheem Sterling (7) takes a shot as Club America defender Cristian Calderon (18) defends during the friendly between Chelsea FC and Club America on July 31, 2024 [on August 9, 2024]")
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How has Sterling fared in pre-season?
Sterling can come out of pre-season feeling in a relative positive frame of mind having been used by Maresca in all six friendlies.
He also got on the scoresheet in a 4-2 defeat to Man City, yet it is questionable where Sterling now sits in the pecking order.
The only time that he participated for more than an hour in a single game was during the 3-0 victory over Club America, with just 13 minutes being provided against Inter Milan at the weekend.
Chelsea have now also signed Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto for £54m, a price-tag which suggests that the Portuguese could get the nod on one of the flanks.
Darren Plant
