Napoli considering move to sign Chelsea forward | OneFootball

Napoli Consider Sterling Move as Chelsea Exit Nears

Sterling emerges as a new target

Raheem Sterling has become the latest name on Napoli’s radar as the Italian club seek to strengthen their attacking options under Antonio Conte. As reported by Calciomercato, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna is exploring the possibility of signing the Chelsea winger, though significant financial hurdles remain.

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Sterling, 30, appears firmly out of Chelsea’s plans. After a loan spell at Arsenal last season that yielded just 17 appearances and only 496 minutes of league action, the winger has returned to Stamford Bridge with little expectation of being reintegrated. The Blues are actively seeking a solution, and Napoli’s interest adds a fresh dimension to the situation.

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Financial demands pose challenge

Napoli are aware of the main obstacle: Sterling’s wages. He currently earns around €10 to €12 million net per season, a figure far above the typical wage structure at the Serie A club. “These are far from negligible numbers, and they have certainly not gone unnoticed,” the report states. Unless Sterling is willing to reduce his demands, or Chelsea agree to subsidise part of his salary, a deal remains difficult.

Napoli weigh alternatives

Napoli are also monitoring Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, valued between €45 and €50 million, as well as Premier League duo Federico Chiesa and Jack Grealish. However, the addition of any one of these players would likely end their pursuit of Ndoye, who is also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest.

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With Noa Lang already signed from PSV for €25 million plus bonuses, Sterling would represent another ambitious attempt to elevate Conte’s options on the flanks.

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For Chelsea supporters, this situation encapsulates a broader pattern under the club’s recent regime: the gradual distancing from senior figures like Sterling. Once regarded as a marquee acquisition from Manchester City, his time at Stamford Bridge has yielded underwhelming returns and increasing questions over value.

Moving Sterling on now feels like the right call. His age, wages and recent performances do not align with the club’s youthful project under Enzo Maresca. A move to Napoli offers all parties a chance to reset. Conte may be able to revitalise the winger in a league that demands more tactical discipline and less direct physicality.

There is, however, a note of caution. Chelsea must avoid repeating past mistakes of subsidising large portions of wages while watching players shine elsewhere. If Napoli are serious, they need to come closer to terms that respect Sterling’s profile.

Should the deal materialise, most Chelsea fans would view it not with regret, but relief. It would close a chapter that never truly fit, and allow the club to reallocate resources more efficiently.