Chelsea’s move for Raheem Sterling is down to the ‘finer details’, but the Blues are facing frustration over their interest in Matthijs de Ligt.
The Independent are reporting that Thomas Tuchel is closing in on a £45m deal to make Sterling the club’s first summer signing, with the west Londoners confident a deal can be agreed ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States.
Sterling has entered the final season of his contract at Manchester City and has agreed terms on a move to Chelsea, after seeing his role reduced at the Premier League champions last season.
The England international has scored 131 goals across seven seasons at City and will increase Chelsea’s goal threat following the exit of Romelu Lukaku.
However, the report says Chelsea are facing ‘frustration’ in their bid to sign De Ligt, amid competition from Bayern Munich.
De Ligt is said to prefer a move to the Bundesliga champions should he leave Juventus, with the Dutch defender believing German football is more suited to his game at this stage of his career.
The 22-year-old is still open to a proposal from Chelsea however, who could be let back in should Bayern fail to match Juventus’ valuation in excess of £60m.
Chelsea are weighing up alternatives and have been linked with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and Manchester City’s Nathan Ake.
