Tottenham Hotspur have been named among eight teams weighing up a move for Raheem Sterling after his exit from Chelsea, according to reports. The same sources say a further seven clubs are evaluating a switch for the 31-year-old winger, with Napoli and Juventus explicitly mentioned among the suitors.

Chelsea’s wage bill was a primary obstacle to a conventional transfer. Sterling was earning around £325,000 ($446,000) per week at Stamford Bridge and has not featured in competitive action since returning from an underwhelming loan with Arsenal last season. Those factors prompted concern over the financial viability of any transfer.

Having now accepted a pay-off from Chelsea, the terms of which have not been disclosed, Sterling is reportedly in a position to lower his demands. It is believed he is prepared to do exactly that and would not even seek a six-figure salary from his next employer, accepting a cut of more than two thirds to secure playing opportunities.

Such a reduction will make Sterling affordable to a wider range of clubs. Though it has been some time since he was at the peak of his powers, the player remains a seasoned professional. At 31, and four appearances shy of 400 in the Premier League, he still carries the experience and capability to contribute at a high level.

Any club interested will weigh Sterling’s recent lack of competitive minutes and his previous salary against his experience and potential upside. The reported willingness to accept a substantially lower wage changes the dynamics of the market for him and explains why multiple teams, including Tottenham, Napoli and Juventus, are now said to be considering a move.

Chelsea have reopened the possibility of recalling centre back Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg as they seek short-term defensive cover ahead of the transfer deadline. A report has revealed a complication: Aarón Anselmino is not keen on moving and Strasbourg refuse to release Sarr without a high-level replacement arriving in his place.

The search for a new central defender dates back to Jan. 15, when Chelsea first moved to pursue reinforcements. More than two weeks on, the situation remains unresolved.

Rennes youngster Jérémy Jacquet is the club’s primary target but Rennes have shown no willingness to authorise a mid-season departure. The French side are reportedly looking for as much as €70 million (£60.7 million, $83.2 million) to entertain an exit. That stance has forced Chelsea to consider a compromise that would allow Jacquet to remain at Rennes until the summer, but such an arrangement is known to interest Liverpool and Bayern Munich as well.

Chelsea previously recalled Anselmino from a positive loan spell with Dortmund, a decision that caused confusion given Anselmino had looked set for a significant role under Rosenior. That role now appears uncertain.

The club’s preference is understood to be reuniting Rosenior with Sarr, but ownership links under BlueCo do not make such moves straightforward. Strasbourg officials are determined to keep Sarr, whose departure would exacerbate unrest among supporters already angry over the club’s perceived relationship with Chelsea as a “feeder club”.

Time is running out for Chelsea, who risk failing to conclude any of their preferred deals before Monday’s transfer deadline. Late-stage talks over Jacquet will be complicated by Rennes’ reluctance to weaken their squad and the shrinking window to identify a replacement for the 20-year-old.

Even if a summer transfer can be pre-agreed, that solution would not address Chelsea’s immediate requirement for a new centre back for the next six months.

Axel Disasi appears likely to leave Chelsea on loan before the January window closes, with West Ham reported to be in talks. Disasi has not played a senior match since April 2025, when he was on loan at Aston Villa, and transfer updates indicate a loan move to West Ham is close to being agreed according to Fabrizio Romano. BBC Sport expresses less certainty, but the Hammers have been in contact and may need to find interest from Lyon and Roma.

The centre back’s situation comes amid wider squad movement at Stamford Bridge. Teenager Tyrique George is again available after a permanent switch to Fulham fell through in the summer and, having struggled for minutes this season, he is on the list of potential departures. Fulham are not expected to re-enter talks, the club having recently spent £27 million to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City.

Chelsea have recalled centre back Aarón Anselmino from a loan with Borussia Dortmund. The recall was unexpected: the 20-year-old was said to be happy in Germany and, when fit, had been a regular starter. Reports suggest fresh talks will determine whether another loan exit is required. The Anselmino situation is linked to Chelsea’s pursuit of a new centre back. Jérémy Jacquet of Rennes is the reported preferred target, but Chelsea have struggled to convince Rennes to sell midway through the season and are now looking at a summer agreement. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also named as competing suitors.

Young midfielder Kendry Páez is due to return from a loan at Strasbourg after limited minutes and is set to head to River Plate. That move was only made possible by the recall of striker David Datro Fofana from Fatih Karagümrük; the 23-year-old Ivory Coast international is a candidate for a permanent exit.

Chelsea have received interest in goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen, and even Cole Palmer has been linked with an exit, although the club have dismissed suggestions they would sell their talisman. The Blues also explored a loan for Douglas Luiz in response to Dário Essugo’s injury, but Aston Villa ultimately secured the player.