Chelsea and Raheem Sterling part ways by mutual consent

Chelsea have parted ways with Raheem Sterling after a mutual contract termination was agreed.

Sterling is yet to feature for Chelsea this term, having been out of the first-team picture over the last 18 months.

The winger spent last season on loan at Arsenal, where he failed to impress, scoring just once in 28 matches across all competitions.

Chelsea tried to move Sterling on last summer, but his hefty £325,000 wages proved to be a stumbling block.

Now a free agent, Sterling is free to join any club, and it remains to be seen which previously interested parties will revisit a move.

West Ham have recently signed Adama Traore from Fulham, who are set to bring in Oscar Bobb from Manchester City.

This could spell good news for Serie A giants Napoli and Juventus, who were also linked with Sterling in the past.

Before his departure, Sterling was Chelsea’s highest earner by a considerable distance, so his exit significantly frees up the Blues’ wage bill.

As we approach the end of what has been an unusually quiet transfer window at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could conduct some business late on.

The Londoners remain in talks with Ligue 1 side Rennes over a deal for Jeremy Jacquet to help shore up their defence.

For now, though, the focus is on tonight’s Champions League group-stage finale against Napoli.

Chelsea will need a win at Estadio Diego Armando Maradona to finish in the top eight of the standings and avoid the added burden of the knockout play-offs.