Chelsea and Manchester United considering Jadon Sancho-Raheem Sterling swap deal
Jadon Sancho has linked with a move to Juventus this summer
Chelsea are contemplating a surprise late bid for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho as the transfer window nears its closure on Friday, according to The Telegraph.
In what could be one of the most notable deals of another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is exploring the possibility of a swap deal involving Raheem Sterling.
Simultaneously, Chelsea have revived talks over a loan deal to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The terms now being offered to Chelsea by the Italian club are significantly more favorable.
However, a potential stumbling block remains concerning the salary expectations of the 25-year-old striker, who has been a long-term target for the club.
Despite this, securing Osimhen appears to be a more likely and immediate priority for Chelsea.
Wages are also a significant issue in the potential deal for Jadon Sancho.
Although Manchester United have not yet received an official approach from Chelsea for the winger, who is available for transfer, they are aware of the interest.
Talks with Juventus are more advanced regarding Sancho, and the Serie A club currently seems a more probable destination before Friday’s 11pm deadline.
United are aiming to receive around £40 million for Sancho, but a loan with an obligation to buy is the most probable offer at this stage.
Nevertheless, it remains unlikely that any club would cover Sancho’s wages in full, which United will likely insist upon.
Manager Erik ten Hag, who has reportedly patched up his differences with Sancho over the summer, has emphasized that the England international will need to fight for his place at United.
“It was a choice to make, we have some issues,” Ten Hag said after leaving out the 24-year-old.
Despite several signings, including Joao Felix, who scored on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday after making a permanent return to Chelsea, the club is looking to bolster its forward options further.
Jadon Sancho is among the players Chelsea is considering this week, as the club explores potential additions.
However, completing a deal for Sancho seems complex, involving multiple moving parts and the involvement of two rival big clubs.
Raheem Sterling has been informed that he is free to leave Chelsea this transfer window and is not part of new head coach Enzo Maresca’s plans.
The 29-year-old has been excluded from the squad, is training separately, and has had his No. 7 shirt taken off him and given to Felix.
Ongoing negotiations aim to find a resolution for Sterling, who has three years remaining on his contract, reportedly earning around £300,000 per week.
Sterling prefers a permanent move, with Juventus also showing interest, but a loan move appears more likely.
It remains uncertain whether Manchester United would be interested in signing Sterling.
Chelsea would only pursue Sancho if he were willing to adapt to the significantly leaner wage structure the club has adopted in recent years.
This would likely require Sancho to accept a substantial pay cut or have his wages subsidized by United, a situation Sterling might also face.
It’s claimed Chelsea could offer Ben Chilwell, who is also no longer in their plans, as part of a deal involving Sterling and Sancho.
However, these suggestions have so far only speculated about a potential exchange of Sterling for Sancho.
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