'One of their better players': Paul Merson claims Enzo Maresca needs unwanted Chelsea star
Chelsea could get rid of a few big players before the transfer window closes next Friday.
The above is almost certain to include Romelu Lukaku, who is about to join Napoli.
Lukaku still needs to have his Napoli medical, but once that is done he should reunite with former manager Antonio Conte.
Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell could also depart Chelsea next week after the two England internationals were booted out of the first team.
Raheem Sterling one of Chelsea’s better players
Arsenal legend and Chelsea supporter Paul Merson thinks the Blues could be making a mistake by getting rid of Sterling.
The pundit believes that the £50m winger is actually one of the better players in their squad and that Enzo Maresca needs him.
In his column for Sky Sports, he said: “I find the Raheem Sterling one a real strange one. Raheem played in America and did well in pre-season. Raheem’s been around a long time to read the situation and then all of a sudden, before the Man City game, he’s not wanted anymore.
“Maresca needs Sterling — he’s one of their better players. He’s not been great for Chelsea, but you’re getting rid of someone better than a lot of other players in that squad.”
Arsenal have reportedly contacted Sterling’s people, so the Gunners are perhaps one club who could sign the 29-year-old ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
Does Enzo Maresca really need Raheem Sterling?
Chelsea recently announced the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese is able to play on the left, while the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto can also start there.
On the opposite flank, where Sterling can operate as well, Maresca also has plenty of options. That includes Cole Palmer — Chelsea’s best player last season – and Noni Madueke.
Ultimately, the new Chelsea manager probably can afford to let Sterling go. Sterling has had a better career than all of those names so far, but he is 29 and spent years playing for the best team in the country.
Last season, the former Manchester City star was only able to score eight goals in 31 Premier League appearances. If he is still better than the likes of Neto and Madueke, for example, then it is not by that much.
Sterling has done well in the Premier League down the years, but he has struggled at Chelsea, who have now replaced him after bringing in Neto and Felix. Now is definitely the time for him to move on.
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