Chelsea's Raheem Sterling has reportedly turned down an opportunity to join West Ham United on a temporary basis. The attacker, who has been sidelined from competitive play this season, is seeking a permanent departure from his current club, with Fulham emerging as his preferred destination.
Sterling, aged 31, has garnered interest from West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who previously attempted to secure his services for Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window. Despite West Ham's efforts to negotiate a loan deal with Chelsea, Sterling's desire for a full transfer has led him to reject their proposal, as reported by The Times.
The former standout for Liverpool and Manchester City had an unmemorable loan stint at Arsenal last season, where he managed just one goal in 28 appearances. This season, Chelsea's former head coach, Enzo Maresca, who recently departed the club, did not integrate Sterling into his squad. Sterling's current contract with Chelsea is set to expire in June 2027 and is valued at approximately £325,000 per week.
Meanwhile, West Ham is urgently looking to bolster their squad during the winter transfer period, as they are embroiled in a challenging fight to maintain their Premier League status. Following a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday, the team remains four points adrift of safety.
In their pursuit of new talent, West Ham has reached an agreement to acquire Taty Castellanos from Lazio for £25 million. They are also nearing a deal to sign Gil Vicente forward Pablo. Additionally, the Hammers are exploring a move for Adama Traore, although the player's wage expectations pose a significant obstacle to completing the transfer.
Raheem Sterling's decision to forgo a loan spell at West Ham underscores his clear intention to leave Chelsea permanently, with a strong preference for a move to Fulham. This development highlights the complex dynamics of player transfers and club strategies, particularly for teams like West Ham facing crucial battles for survival in the league.