Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling – and his numbers stack up well against the forward options currently at Thomas Tuchel's disposal.
Sterling has enjoyed an illustrious seven years at City since his controversial move from Liverpool and has won every major honour in the domestic game.
But the 27-year-old has entered into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and, after signing Erling Haaland and Julien Alvarez, City are believed to be willing to sell Sterling for the right price.
It was expected that Sterling would move abroad, with Barcelona among others reportedly interested in his services, but Chelsea have emerged as strong candidates for his signature.
Tuchel is thought to be a big admirer of Sterling, with the Blues boss believing the forward is better suited to Chelsea's style of play than £97million signing Romelu Lukaku.
However, City are understood to value Sterling at up to £60million and have rejected Chelsea's opening offer of £35million.
But, with Sterling's London roots and City's willingness to sell, Chelsea are still confident of securing the England international.
“Chelsea fans have been getting worried about a lack of transfer activity compared to their rivals – Todd Boehly and the new Chelsea ownership could be making a huge statement here,” Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam said.
“Raheem Sterling wants to play football. He wants to be a part of things. He's been a huge part of what Manchester City have done, winning four Premier League titles, four League Cups and the FA Cup and a Champions League runner-up medal as well.
“He's been a huge part of their success story, as well as 77 England caps.
“We all know the World Cup is coming up in November and December and while Sterling has not been a huge part of City's starting XI in the last season, it's that guaranteed football that is going to be of interest to Gareth Southgate and Sterling.
“He has that family connection and history down in London. That will be a big factor in this situation. Chelsea are big players in the Premier League and have won lots of trophies.
“That's what Sterling wants to do: play at the highest level. He wouldn't just be coming home, but he'd be part of a successful team under new owners, who want to carry on winning things.”
And we've compared Sterling's 2021-22 Premier League stats with Manchester City to the numbers of Chelsea's current forward options in the league.
Goals
Raheem Sterling – 13
Kai Havertz – 8
Romelu Lukaku – 8
Christian Pulisic – 6
Timo Werner – 4
Hakim Ziyech – 4
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1
Assists
Raheem Sterling – 5
Hakim Ziyech – 3
Kai Havertz – 3
Christian Pulisic – 2
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 2
Timo Werner – 1
Romelu Lukaku – 0
Minutes per goal
Raheem Sterling – 163.6
Romelu Lukaku – 198.3
Kai Havertz – 227.0
Christian Pulisic – 214.3
Timo Werner – 321.5
Hakim Ziyech – 329.3
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 966.0
Minutes per goal or assist
Raheem Sterling – 118.1
Christian Pulisic – 160.8
Kai Havertz – 165.1
Hakim Ziyech – 188.1
Romelu Lukaku – 198.3
Timo Werner – 257.2
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 322.0
Chances created per 90 minutes
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 2.3
Hakim Ziyech – 2.1
Raheem Sterling – 1.8
Romelu Lukaku – 1.4
Christian Pulisic – 1
Kai Havertz – 1
Timo Werner – 0.6
Successful dribbles per 90 minutes (success rate)
Raheem Sterling – 2.2 (46.7%)
Hakim Ziyech – 1.9 (43.2%)
Christian Pulisic – 1.7 (42.5%)
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1.5 (62.5%)
Kai Havertz – 0.9 (42.9%)
Romelu Lukaku – 0.7 (50.0%)
Timo Werner – 0.7 (30.4%)
Passes per 90 minutes (passing accuracy)
Hakim Ziyech – 43.2 (81.2%)
Raheem Sterling – 34.7 (85.3%)
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 33.0 (85.3%)
Kai Havertz – 32.4 (81.3%)
Christian Pulisic – 30.6 (80.3%)
Timo Werner – 26 (78%)
Romelu Lukaku – 18 (72.9%)
Shots per 90 minutes (inside the penalty area)
Hakim Ziyech – 3.6 (1.1)
Timo Werner – 3.1 (2.8)
Kai Havertz – 2.8 (2.4)
Raheem Sterling – 2.4 (1.4)
Romelu Lukaku – 2.4 (2.2)
Christian Pulisic – 2 (1.5)
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1.7 (1.6)