Chelsea showing stronger interest in 27-year-old Manchester City star over Gabriel Jesus - Reports
As per Football Daily, Chelsea are interested in signing Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling. They prefer him over his teammate Gabriel Jesus, who is also pursued by Arsenal.
The Blues could need some attacking reinforcements this summer. As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, striker Romelu Lukaku could be heading back to Inter Milan on loan.
Last season, the Blues struggled for goals, with the likes of Lukaku, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz lacking a clinical edge. Their top three scorers across competitions last season were Lukaku (15), Havertz (14) and Mason Mount (13). These numbers are very paltry compared to the talent in contention and the expectations of a big club like the Blues.
Hence, they could look to reinforce that area by signing Sterling. The England international's contract with City expires in the summer of 2023. City could look to cash in on him this summer instead of letting him go for free next year.
Arsenal are optimistic of getting a deal done for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, rated at £50m 
🚨 Arsenal are optimistic of getting a deal done for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, rated at £50m 💰
Chelsea have also shown interest but their real target is Raheem Sterling 😳 https://t.co/0elhAli8g0
Sterling, 27, joined the Cityzens from Liverpool in 2015. He has played 339 games for them across competitions, contributing 131 goals and 95 assists. He has won four Premier League titles and five League Cups with City. He'd bring a lot of experience, skill and a winning mentality to the Blues.
Manchester City recently signed Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, which could see Sterling and Jesus fall down the pecking order. The latter is being monitored by Arsenal, though, who are 'optimistic' about signing him, as per the aforementioned Football Daily report.
Manchester City and Chelsea interested in Marc Cucurella
As per The Sun, Manchester City and Chelsea are interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Marc Cucurella.
The Spaniard was impressive in his debut season in the Premier League after joining the Seagulls from Barcelona last summer. He made 35 league appearances, scoring one goal and assisting one.
The Spanaird put up impressive defensive numbers in his first full Premier League season making 93 tackles, 65 clearances, 247 recoveries, winning 191 duels and making 30 interceptions. He was adjudged to be Brighton's 'Players' Player of the Season' and Brighton's 'Player of the Season' based on his performances.
As per the Sun, City manager Pep Guardiola is looking to strengthen his left full-back position by signing Cucurella. That could also lead to Oleksandr Zinchenko leaving the club.
However, Brighton are adamant on keeping the Spaniard and could demand a significant sum for his services. He has four years left on his contract, so the Seagulls don't want him to leave for cheap.
Chelsea are also interested in Cucurella, with their other Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso being linked with Barcelona (via Fabrizio Romano).
#CFC Marcos Alonso has confirmed again to Chelsea his plan to leave the club this summer. Barcelona have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Marcos. 🇪🇸 #CFC
Barça are waiting for final price tag - while Azpilicueta has still Barcelona two-year deal bid available.
The Blues struggled last season after Ben Chilwell suffered a season-ending knee injury in November. It will be another area they will need to strengthen ahead of the new season.