Raheem Sterling targets London move as Chelsea exile cools Napoli interest

Raheem Sterling is prepared to turn his back on a move to Napoli as he looks to engineer a transfer to another London club, with Fulham emerging as his preferred destination.

The Chelsea winger has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge and has not played a single competitive minute this season. Despite interest from Italy, Sterling is understood to be determined to remain in the capital for personal and family reasons, even if that means sacrificing the chance to compete for major honours abroad.

Napoli, managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, have identified Sterling as an experienced option to strengthen their attack as they attempt to defend their Serie A title. The Italian champions currently sit third in the table, six points behind leaders Inter Milan.

However, according to Sky Sports, Sterling has little interest in uprooting his life at this stage of his career. The 31-year-old, who has earned 82 England caps, is prioritising stability for his family over a fresh challenge overseas.

That stance has led him to focus on staying in London, with Fulham identified as the most appealing option. A move to Craven Cottage would allow Sterling to remain in his current home and minimise disruption after a turbulent spell at Chelsea. While West Ham United have also been linked, Fulham are viewed as the most realistic route to ending his Stamford Bridge exile.

Despite Sterling’s preference being clear, the financial reality presents a major obstacle. The winger earns a reported £325,000 per week at Chelsea, a figure that is well beyond the wage structure of most clubs outside the Premier League elite.

Complicating matters further is Sterling’s desire for a permanent exit. After what has been described as an entirely forgettable loan spell at Arsenal last season, the forward is understood to be finished with temporary moves and wants a clean break.

Interested clubs are cautious. Sterling turned 31 in December, has not played this season, and would require both a long-term contract and a significant salary commitment. Chelsea, meanwhile, are desperate to remove his wages from their books, with his deal running until the summer of 2027.

Any agreement would likely require either a substantial compromise from Sterling on salary or a sizeable payoff from Chelsea to facilitate his departure.

The appointment of Liam Rosenior earlier this month briefly raised speculation that Sterling could be reintegrated. That hope has quickly faded.

Rosenior has acknowledged Sterling’s situation but has made it clear his focus lies elsewhere. While praising Sterling’s career and expressing respect for fellow outcast Axel Disasi, the Chelsea head coach has stressed that he has a list of priorities and little time to address players who have been training away from the first team.

With Chelsea juggling commitments across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and European competition, Sterling remains firmly on the outside looking in.

Sterling’s current situation represents a dramatic pause in what was once an elite career. A four-time Premier League winner with Manchester City and a long-standing England regular, he now faces the prospect of spending the remainder of the season training alone if no solution is found.

As the January window edges closer to its conclusion, pressure is mounting on all sides. Sterling needs minutes, Chelsea need financial relief, and any interested club must find a way to bridge a daunting economic gap.

Without compromise, Sterling risks five more months in exile — a scenario that serves neither player nor club.

Fulham and other London clubs will continue to assess whether a deal is financially viable. Unless compromises are made, Sterling’s Chelsea exile is likely to continue beyond the January window.

Should Fulham take the risk on Sterling’s experience, or is his wage demand simply too high to justify the move?