£350k-a-week star ‘unhappy with his performances’ at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea star Raheem Sterling is not ‘up for sale’ despite being ‘unhappy’ with his lack of form at Stamford Bridge, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

The winger has been linked with a move away from Graham Potter’s Blues as the January transfer deadline nears.

Chelsea transfer news – Raheem Sterling

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for Sterling just a matter of months after his arrival in west London.

The report suggests the Blues’ January business, which has included forking out £88.5million for Mykhailo Mudryk, has thrown the England international’s future into doubt.

Sterling completed a £47.5million switch from reigning Premier League champions Manchester City last summer, penning a long-term contract worth £350,000-per-week.

Amid the uncertainty over his future, the 28-year-old has worked his way back onto Arsenal’s shortlist of targets after boss Mikel Arteta initially looked to secure his services ahead of Chelsea.

Respected journalist Dean Jones previously told GiveMeSport that Sterling has been harshly criticised since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

What has Simon Phillips said about Sterling?

Contrary to Football Insider, Phillips understands that Sterling has not been put on the transfer market by Chelsea.

The journalist is aware that the former Liverpool man is frustrated with his performances since heading to the capital and wants to return to his best form after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Phillips told GiveMeSport: “Personally, I haven’t had any information to suggest that Sterling is up for sale right now.

“I know that he has been unhappy, but that’s been with his own performances. He’s not been happy with how he’s been playing, so he’s trying to correct that.

“Obviously, he’s got his injury at the moment, but he wants to come back and correct that. He wants to get back to how he started his Chelsea career, which was actually very good.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Should Chelsea sell Sterling this month?

Sterling may have only scored six goals and registered a further three assists in 22 Chelsea appearances, according to Transfermarkt, but Potter should not even contemplate sanctioning his departure.

He is capable of being formidable in the final third of the pitch and found the back of the net 131 times during a trophy-laden spell with Manchester City.

Since arriving at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel has been sacked as head coach and replaced by Potter, which would not have helped Sterling as he looked to settle into his new surroundings.

Sofascore statistics show the wide-man has missed five big chances in the top flight, which is a worrying statistic, but also created four presentable opportunities for his teammates.

Sterling, who is a four-time Premier League champion, has a winning mentality and Chelsea need to keep him on board as they look to climb the table.

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