Chelsea closing in on two top deals

Raheem Sterling
Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are closing in on deals for Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake.

The Blues have been linked with the two players, as Man City are looking to release some of their players.

Raheem Sterling is keen on moving to Chelsea, while Nathan Ake is also keen on a return to his former club.

Fabrizio Romano revealed in a tweet: “Conversations between Chelsea and Manchester City for Raheem Sterling and Nathan Aké are progressing well. Both players are keen on the move. #CFC

“Man City are waiting to sell at least one more player to submit the bid for Cucurella. Kalvin Phillips medicals today: ✅ #MCFC”

According to Sky Sports, Thomas Tuchel has been an admirer of Nathan Ake from his time at Borussia Dortmund, and would like for the Man City defender to return to Chelsea to bolster the club’s defensive options.

Nathan Ake
Photo: Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

The move for Ake seems to be Thomas Tuchel’s signing, as he sees the former Chelsea defender as the best replacement for the departed Antonio Rudiger.

The 27-year-old can slot in on the left side of a back three – a position that was handled by Antonio Rudiger, and he can as well fill in at left-back and in midfield, which makes the deal particularly attractive for Thomas Tuchel.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has claimed Sterling isn’t better than Rihad Mahrez and Jack Grealish.

He told Horseracing.net: “I think it’ll be a good move for Raheem because he’s an excellent player and his goals over the last few years have proved that.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s better than Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish but I don’t think that’s the right comparison because they’re all different players.

“There must be some truth in this story because this rumour has started to rumble on and on for the last week or so.

“If it was a no go and Chelsea weren’t interested, then this story would have been shut down a while ago, so there must be some truth in it especially if Romelu Lukaku goes.”