Chelsea have confirmed that Raheem Sterling has been stripped of the No. 7 shirt, with new summer signing Pedro Neto taking over the iconic number.

Sterling, who joined the Blues from Manchester City two years ago for £49.5 million, has found himself in a precarious situation at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Despite featuring prominently in pre-season, Sterling was notably absent from the matchday squad in Chelsea’s recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

His exclusion has fueled speculation about his future in west London, with his representatives calling for “clarity” on his status with the club.

The announcement of Neto’s shirt change adds further uncertainty to Sterling’s position at Chelsea.

The 29-year-old winger, who still has three years remaining on his contract, had worn the No. 7 since his arrival from City.

Neto, who initially wore the No. 19 on his debut, will now don the No. 7 as he looks to make an impact following his big-money transfer from Wolves.

As Sterling’s future hangs in the balance, Chelsea fans are left wondering what the next steps will be for the England international as the summer transfer window approaches its climax.