Chelsea and Manchester City are both ‘confident’ they will finally reach an agreement over the transfer of Raheem Sterling, according to reports.
The Blues recently opened discussions with the Premier League champions after it was made clear they are open to selling the England star.
Pep Guardiola has also let Gabriel Jesus leave – with an announcement from Arsenal imminent – after the signing of Erling Haaland from Dortmund.
Jesus will cost the Gunners around £45m and Man City are looking for a similar amount to allow Sterling leave the Etihad this summer.
Chelsea are also keen on Citizens central defender Nathan Ake, who was a Blues player for seven years from the age of 15.
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, negotiations between Chelsea and City are at the “final stages”.
The transfer fee is, as expected, “similar” to the amount Arsenal will pay to sign Jesus, as City “always wanted around £90m guaranteed for both”.
There is “big confidence on both sides” that a fee will finally be agreed, while Sterling is “open to the move”.
Football London reporter Bobby Vincent and Blues insider Simon Phillips have already reported that a fee has been agreed. Vincent told his Twitter followers on Friday that Thomas Tuchel’s side will pay £45m plus £10m in add-ons.
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti also added, claiming that an agreement is getting “closer and closer”, with Chelsea ready to pay £40m plus bonuses.
Meanwhile, former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given believes Sterling could “come back and bite” Pep Guardiola if he joins Chelsea this summer.
“He’s a top player, but for whatever reason in the last 12 or 18 months him and Pep, have not fallen out, but he’s just not started every game,” Given told talkSPORT.
“Sterling is a player that strikes me that would not be happy coming off the bench and being a bit-part player in the last six or seven months.
“Will he come back and bite Pep, maybe? That’s the thing from a City point of view, do you think he will come back and score a goal towards the end of the season that wins the league for Chelsea.
“He’s a top player, but with 12 months left £50million is still a lot of money. With the Financial Fair Play, City have to balance the books and they are still trying to bring in players as well.
“It might fit well for both clubs.””
