West Ham United have reportedly opened talks over a potential move for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling, who is available for transfer this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Sterling’s situation at Chelsea remains unsettled after a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal last season.
Having now returned to Stamford Bridge, the England international looks set to be moved on again, with the Blues eager to offload him due to his substantial wages.
The 29-year-old is said to be earning around £325,000 per week, a salary that makes him one of Chelsea’s highest-paid players.
While such wages may have been justifiable during his peak years at Manchester City, Sterling has struggled to deliver consistent performances in recent seasons.
His time at Arsenal highlighted that decline, with the forward failing to recapture the explosive form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.
West Ham Hold Talks for Sterling
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown revealed that West Ham have engaged in discussions regarding a possible move for Sterling.
Chelsea are keen to secure either a permanent transfer or another loan before the window shuts, but genuine interest in the player remains limited.
“They want to move him on, whether permanently or on loan, but there isn’t huge demand for him.
His agent has been in touch with clubs both in England and abroad, and West Ham are among those spoken to.
That move could make sense because of his previous working relationship with the manager,” Brown explained.
For West Ham, the move presents both opportunity and risk. Graham Potter, who knows Sterling well, may back himself to reignite the winger’s career. If he succeeds, Sterling could provide much-needed attacking quality.
However, the downside is obvious: his enormous wage packet would take up a significant portion of the Hammers’ budget, making the gamble harder to justify.
A permanent deal appears especially risky. At 30, Sterling no longer carries the same resale value, meaning West Ham could struggle to recoup any potential investment.
Chelsea’s difficulty in finding suitors only underlines the challenge of moving him on, with the forward’s best years seemingly behind him.
