Chelsea transfer news: Blues could 'tear up' contract of unwanted attacker

Chelsea could reportedly 'tear up' the contract of Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge after he failed to secure a move away from the club in the summer transfer window.

The former Manchester City winger is not in Enzo Maresca's plans, and the Chelsea boss has no interest in reintegrating him into the side.

The 30-year-old, who joined Arsenal last season on loan, has become surplus to requirements at the London club, and he has been training with fellow members of Chelsea's 'bomb squad'.

Premier League rivals Fulham and West Ham were reportedly interested in signing Sterling, but his £300,000-per-week wages have deterred potential suitors, as they could not match his high demands.

Chelsea to rip up Sterling's contract?

According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea could terminate Sterling's contract, as they may cut their losses and release him for free.

Mick Brown, a former football scout, told the media outlet that potential suitors have found difficulty in agreeing a deal with Chelsea and Sterling, but he would be free to join anywhere once the contract is terminated.

“It’s a possibility that Chelsea could tear up his contract,” he told Football Insider. “Fulham and West Ham are clubs I’ve heard want him, but they haven’t been able to do deals with Chelsea or meet the wages they’re paying him.

“If Chelsea know a move is there for him, they might cut their losses and let him go for free. That would allow him to go wherever he wants to go without them getting involved.

“At the moment, it’s been difficult to agree a deal both with Chelsea and with Sterling, and clubs are more likely to move if there’s no transfer fee involved. Plus, it would allow him to move outside of the window so there’s no restriction there."

Another brilliant transfer window from Chelsea?

The Blues bolstered their attacking options by signing Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, and there is no room for Sterling in the current set-up.

Chelsea reportedly sold £314.4m worth of players in the summer window, more than any club, which leaves them with a net spend of -£17.9m.

It will be interesting to see what Chelsea do with Sterling in the coming weeks and whether a mutual agreement can be reached to terminate his contract.