Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted Raheem Sterling could be sold before the transfer window shuts.
Sterling is “seeking clarity” on his future after being axed from the squad for Chelsea ’s opening match of the season against Manchester City.
But Chelsea boss Maresca admitted there is not room for all of the players in their bloated squad as he dropped a clear hint that Sterling could be on his way out.
Italian giants Juventus have shown an interest in 29-year-old Sterling, who joined from City in a £47.5m deal two years ago.
Maresca insisted that the decision not to feature him against City was down to “technical reasons” but the wide message was clear.
“I want all 30 players but there is no space for all of them so some have to leave,” Maresca was quoted by Mirror.
“The only thing I can say it was a technical decision and now we will see and get clarity. All the players if they want to be Chelsea players we want to try and see how we can use them. Raheem, we take clarify in the next days.”
Chelsea do need to balance the books after another summer of big spending and they spent £54m on Pedro Neto and have the likes of Cole Palmer, Christophe Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk competing for places.
Sterling had a discussion with Maresca on Friday and insists he has a good relationship with the Chelsea boss, having been a key part of their pre-season plans and he also returned early to training having missed out on the Euros.
Also Sterling insists he is committed to Chelsea, and despite a stop-start two years at Stamford Bridge, wants to fight for his place.
It was not the best of start as Chelsea boss for Maresca whose first game ended in defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Goals from Erling Haaland and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic sealed the win for the champions.
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