Sterling given new Chelsea escape route from local rival and 'European giants'

Raheem Sterling is set to leave Chelsea this summer after spending a year on loan at Arsenal with a number of clubs said to be interested in providing the veteran with an opportunity

Raheem Sterling has been offered two new escape routes as he looks to secure a move away from Chelsea this summer. Local rivals Fulham and Serie A champions Napoli could now find themselves among the candidates for his signature amid previously reported interest from Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.

Sterling, 30, has two years remaining on his deal at Chelsea but little future at Stamford Bridge. The former Manchester City star was left out of Enzo Maresca's first team plans a year ago before he sealed a loan move to Arsenal.

The winger's stay at the Emirates was ultimately an unsuccessful one as Sterling failed to cement his presence in the side with fleeting opportunities from the bench. The veteran made just 17 Premier League appearances and scored just one goal across all competitions for the Gunners.

And now, Sterling must once again find a new club if he hopes to find minutes in 2025/26. The holder of 82 England caps is said to have been offered to Napoli in recent days.

Antonio Conte's side are in the market for a left winger and previously failed to sign Alejandro Garnacho in January. Sterling is claimed to have made it onto the club's summer shortlist alongside Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo and Bologna forward Dan Ndoye.

The Telegraph reports that Sterling is among a list of candidates for Fulham to add to Marco Silva's squad. The Cottagers however, do not plan to make a move until later in the window.

Chelsea's west London rivals are looking to strengthen out wide and have one eye on a return for Arsenal star Reiss Nelson following his loan. Sterling has been discussed too however with his experience proving appealing.

Fulham would offer an option for Sterling to avoid upheaval while providing Premier League football. But it appears the club are willing to be patient.

"Myself as a manager and all the managers, they would prefer to have the squad almost complete in this stage of the pre-season," Silva admitted recently

"Until now, it's not been possible. And I understand the fans. But what I can tell them is we are working hard, we haven't started in terms of signings. But we have a lot of business to do in this market."