Football News: Raheem Sterling moves closer to Chelsea's transfer after agreeing on personal terms

Todd Boehly, the new owner of Stamford Bridge, is anticipated to make his first significant signing with the club.

In June, it was reported that Chelsea was increasingly confident they could complete a move for a player available for a low fee this summer because he only had one year left on his contract.

Sterling is said to have spoken with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel about life at the club, and the England international is said to have been impressed with the German coach's ambition for the club. It is now expected that a settlement will be reached soon.

Having one year left on his contract, the 27-year-old would be Todd Boehly's first significant signing as Chelsea's owner.

Chelsea is said to be optimistic about reaching an agreement for Sterling, who is expected to be available for a bargain price with a year left on his current contract.

Gabriel Jesus, in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, joined Arsenal in a £45 million ($55 million) transfer.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who defeated Manchester City in the Champions League in 2021, is said to have spoken with Sterling about playing for him.

Is Raheem Sterling leaving Manchester City due to competition?

Sterling has scored 131 goals in 339 Premier League games for Manchester City in his seven years at the club.

He joined City from Liverpool in July 2015 for an initial fee of £44 million and has since won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three League Cups.

However, with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar coming up at the end of the year, the England international is expected to demand more playing time after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

Last season, he was kept out of the starting lineup for a number of key games, including both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and the final-day victory against Aston Villa.

With the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, as well as the form of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez, there will be tough competition for spots in Pep Guardiola's starting XI next season.

Manchester City's first game of the 2022-23 season will be against West Ham United on August 7 at the London Stadium.

Why does Chelsea want Raheem Sterling?

Tuchel is drawn to Sterling's versatility. Under Guardiola, the attacker has played primarily on the left-wing, where he may feel most at ease, but he has also played often on the right flank.

The Chelsea quartet has flitted in and out of the team, suffering from dips in form and fitness along the road to the point that no one has ever been compelling.

Each has talent and ability. However, at the moment, Sterling's productivity appears to outperform theirs.

Over the last five seasons, he has generated 250 chances for teammates, a figure only nine others have surpassed, and he has completed 320 take-ons, the fourth most in the Premier League.

Tuchel may have many other creative choices on paper, but this is a player with a proven track record of success in the Premier League.

Chelsea's squad may still contain club and international experience and players who have performed across Europe and in international events. 

However, only four current first-team regulars have won the Premier League: N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (who played a bit-part role in 2016-17), and defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta. Over the last five years, Sterling has claimed the trophy four times.