Raheem Sterling endured a torrid season-long loan at Arsenal from Chelsea in 2024/25.
The winger scored just once in 28 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta essentially sidelining him entirely in the latter stages of the campaign.
Arsenal unsurprisingly declined the opportunity to sign Sterling permanently, and he’s subsequently looking for a new club.
Despite his hefty wages and being blatantly surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, a few potential suitors have now emerged.
Fulham are considering move for Raheem Sterling
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Fulham are considering making an approach for Raheem Sterling.
However, the Cottagers are only willing to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent basis if he accepts a significant wage reduction.
Chelsea aren’t keen on loaning Sterling again, and thus a compromise will have to be reached on his payment terms.
Napoli have also been offered Sterling, although it remains to be seen whether Antonio Conte is interested in the ageing Englishman.
Fulham already have a core of former Arsenal players in their ranks, with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe and Bernd Leno all plying their trade at the West London club.
Marco Silva’s side have also previously signed a former Chelsea star who struggled in a solitary season at the Emirates, in the form of Willian.
Adding Sterling to their squad would therefore be in line with their recruitment, and if Chelsea are willing to negotiate, then a deal is certainly plausible.
Fulham signing Raheem Sterling could scupper Reiss Nelson’s move
Fulham have also been heavily linked with Reiss Nelson, who enjoyed a promising temporary stint at Craven Cottage last season before sustaining a serious injury.
The Gunners are eager to find a move for Nelson this summer, with the player deemed surplus to requirements by Arteta.
However, Fulham’s pursuit of Sterling could mean they no longer want to sign Nelson, given the paucity of space in Silva’s squad.
The Portuguese manager already has the likes of Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Harry Wilson, Adama Traore and Andreas Pereira at his disposal, and thus, there is probably room for only one more wide forward to be added.
Therefore, Sterling’s potential switch to Fulham could derail Arsenal’s ability to shift Nelson, who is currently earning £100,000 a week in N5, and will cost the North Londoners several million pounds over the next two years of his contract.
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