Chelsea have perfect Raheem Sterling statement solution with £28m transfer trick

Chelsea could have the perfect solution to any problems that arise after winger Raheem Sterling's team released a controversial statement that questioned his future with the club an hour before their 2-0 loss to Manchester City over the weekend.

The Blues kicked off their Premier League campaign in poor fashion as goals from Erling Haaland and ex-Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic sealed the win for Pep Guardiola's side, but there was no sign of Sterling in Enzo Maresca's first matchday squad of the season despite the 29-year-old featuring heavily in the club's preseason tour of the U.S.

The statement, which was released as soon as Chelsea had posted the matchday squad on their social media channels, read: "Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

Enzo Maresca has insisted it was a technical decision to leave Sterling out of the squad, and football.london understands that Sterling himself was notified of Maresca's decision on Friday - a decision Chelsea's hierarchy are understood to be fully behind.

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Following the match, Maresca didn't exactly help to calm the storm around the star's future as he gave a vague answer as to whether he wanted Sterling to stay at Stamford Bridge this summer, claiming: "I don't know [if he'll still be here]. The only thing I can say is that it was a technical decision and in the next day, we will want to sit and clarify the situation but it is nothing more than that.

"For all the players, they are Chelsea players. If they are going to be Chelsea players, then we will try to use them but no more than technical decision. [Long pause]. I want Raheem Sterling but I want all the 30 players we have. But there is no space for all of them. So for some of them, they have to leave."

However, if the Blues are to let go of the winger this summer, they may already have a brilliant plan up their sleeve - and it's one they've utilised in the past. This summer has already seen the Blues sell Lewis Hall to Newcastle United after the obligation to buy clause in his contract was activated at the end of last season and they could use the same method of selling Sterling on to the Magpies.

Eddie Howe's side are currently trying to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but have consistently been rebuffed, despite having offered a latest bid worth around £65m. However, they also need a right-winger meaning they may need to get creative if they do end up landing Guehi in a mega-money deal.

If Sterling wants to leave Chelsea, it makes sense that the two clubs strike a loan deal where Newcastle pick up most if not all of his wages, similar to that of Hall last season, which helps Chelsea get him off their books and helps Newcastle bolster their attacking options.

Newcastle have already been scouting out Blues winger Noni Madueke this summer, but could have their attention turned by Sterling following the 29-year-old's actions this week in what would surely be an enticing option for Sterling who is trying to get back into the England national team following the departure of manager Gareth Southgate.