Raheem Sterling is reportedly keen to extend his stay at Chelsea into a third season, despite his negative reaction at the weekend.
In 2022, the winger made the decision to depart Manchester City for a new challenge at Stamford Bridge, emerging as a headline signing in the first transfer window under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Sterling has made a positive impression in terms of numbers, with a total of 17 goals and 14 assists contributed in 74 appearances in all competitions.
However, other factors have led to the 29-year-old continuing to divide opinion, most notably during the FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City on Sunday.
Although Sterling provided the assist for Chelsea's second goal in a 4-2 victory, he had earlier missed a penalty after taking the ball off Cole Palmer, the usual taker and who possesses a 100% record from the spot.
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Furthermore, the England international squandered a one-on-one chance later in the first half and blazed a free kick into the top tier of the stand from 20 yards after the break.
A combination of those factors led to Sterling being loudly booed by the Chelsea fanbase and the decision of Mauricio Pochettino to substitute him being cheered.
Pochettino later came out to defend Sterling, yet a scenario has arisen where the player is not being accepted by the supporters and reports are emerging that he may be one of the players who are made available for transfer in the summer.
Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, Sterling is motivated to justify his £47.5m price tag and win over Chelsea's fans in the long term.
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Clubs in Saudi Arabia have allegedly either been sounded out regarding a potential transfer or have shown interest in acquiring Sterling's services.
That said, it is claimed that there is little desire from Sterling to move elsewhere, with the player settled in London and his role appreciated behind the scenes.
Sterling also has eight goals and 10 assists to his name this campaign, only trailing Palmer in terms of goals and assists.
On the flip side, Chelsea are in a position where they need to ensure that they pass the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, and cashing in on a big-earner for a substantial fee would naturally benefit them on that front.
Darren Plant
