Raheem Sterling has jetted out to Los Angeles to link up with his soon-to-be new Chelsea team-mates ahead of official confirmation of his move from Man City.
Sterling is on the cusp of joining the Blues in a deal worth £47.5m, rising to £50m and has undergone a medical.
Should his move go through in the coming days, Sterling could make his Chelsea debut in Charlotte next Thursday or against Arsenal in the Florida Cup final the following Saturday.
Raheem Sterling has flown out to Los Angeles to meet his soon-to-be Chelsea team-mates
Sterling will join up with the Blues squad ahead of official confirmation of his move from City
It is thought to be unlikely that the forward will be available for Chelsea’s pre-season friendly with Club America this Sunday, though.
The Blues made it clear they wanted Sterling to take on a key role of their attacking overhaul and, following positive talks with Tuchel, Sterling opted for Stamford Bridge.
Sterling is understood to have negotiated a five-year contract worth significantly more than his existing £300,000 a week. There is the option for an extension of one season on a deal that takes him into the Premier League’s top three earners.
Chelsea have also opened talks over a move for Kalidou Koulibaly.
Sterling will link up with Thomas Tuchel and his Blues squad in next 24 hours
Tuchel’s men are currently at Drake Stadium UCLA Campus, preparing for their USA tour
Chelsea are preparing to face Club America in a pre-season friendly on Sunday
New owner Todd Boehly is understood to have spoken with the Napoli defender’s agent on Monday over what is likely to be a deal worth around £35m.
Reports in France revealed what Koulibaly said of his potential switch to Chelsea: ‘I’ll confirm that later, but it’s on the right track.’
The 31-year-old would provide a welcome boost as the club seek to strengthen their backline, with a swoop for Manchester City’s Nathan Ake not yet over the line.
Ake is close to arriving after agreeing personal terms ahead of a return to his former club. City want around £40m for the Dutchman.
This summer has already seen the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively on free transfers, meaning the club want to bring in at least two central defenders.
Sterling will join Chelsea in a deal worth £47.5m, rising to £50m and has undergone a medical
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, set to join Barcelona in a £7m…