Napoli’s search for a wide attacker could be nearing a breakthrough. The number one name on sporting director Mauro Manna’s list is Raheem Sterling, who turns 31 soon and boasts a glittering career in England. Now deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea, the winger is seeking a fresh challenge away from the Premier League. Last season brought just 17 appearances on loan at Arsenal – without scoring – after a brighter spell in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2022 and 2024. Since Enzo Maresca’s arrival in the Blues’ dugout, Sterling has slipped further down the pecking order.
With two years left on his contract, Chelsea are open to offloading him, but his £10m-plus annual salary poses the biggest stumbling block. A deal would likely require a significant financial contribution from the London club.
In recent days, there’s been direct contact between Napoli and Chelsea, while the Partenopei are also waiting on Bologna’s response to their €40m offer (including bonuses) for Swiss winger Dan Ndoye – short of Bologna’s €45m valuation. Nottingham Forest have entered the race too, tabling a more lucrative €5m-per-year proposal for Ndoye.
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Sterling’s transfer fee is expected to be in the €20–25m range – an affordable outlay for Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club. With the player’s Chelsea deal expiring in two years, holding on any longer could see his value drop further. Napoli know this – and are ready to make their move.
