Sterling Arrival Boosts Chelsea’s Title Credentials

After failing to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the English Premier League title race last season, Chelsea are looking to close the gap.

The signing of England forward Raheem Sterling from champions Man City is a signal of intent from the west London outfit and it will be intriguing to see how his arrival will boost Chelsea’s title ambitions.

An Underrated Talent

Arguably one of the most underrated stars in the Premier League, Sterling is looking for a fresh challenge in the capital. Chelsea, who are +1600 in the sports betting to win the Premier League next season, saw off some stern competition for the player’s signature. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona had both been linked with the former Liverpool forward, who enjoyed seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

Starting on the bench for some key games towards the end of last season seems to have been the catalyst for Sterling’s departure from City. With forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez also joining the champions over the summer, Sterling may well have seen his chances of regular starts dwindling in Manchester. Now with a new challenge back in his home city, Londoner Sterling will be hoping to hit the ground running with his new club.

Peak Years Still Ahead?

At the age of 27, many would suggest Sterling is about to enter his prime years. Having been on the Premier League circuit for so long, it’s remarkable to think that his best years could still be ahead of him. Eleven major titles during his seven seasons with City have made Sterling accustomed to success, but the Three Lions star still seems to have the hunger to achieve more. So far the Champions League is the only major title that has eluded him. Sterling and City came close in the 2020-21 campaign, although it was actually his new employer Chelsea who edged out the Citizens 1-0 in the final.

A Champions League title will certainly be on Sterling’s wishlist at the start of this new chapter working under manager Thomas Tuchel. The German tactician has spoken of his admiration for Sterling and will be looking to the forward to help provide some cutting edge to the Blues’ attack. Chelsea struggled for goals at times last season and are looking for a different approach following Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal. Sterling and Lukaku are very different players, and clearly, Tuchel sees his new arrival as a better fit in the Chelsea system.

From the outside, it looks like Chelsea might have got themselves a great deal in landing Sterling for £50m, as England internationals don’t come cheap. Time will tell if the move is a success but there is rightly plenty of optimism in west London on what Sterling and the Blues can achieve this season.

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