Chelsea transfer news: Two clubs emerge as favourites to sign Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling on deadline day

Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling are reportedly closing in on their respective exits from Stamford Bridge.

Since August 2024, the two England internationals have not been considered to be part of Enzo Maresca's plans, but their wages and price-tags have scuppered permanent exits.

As such, Chilwell spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace and Sterling featured for Arsenal throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

The pair have had to remain patient throughout the summer transfer window, with any interested clubs prepared to bide their time in the hope of Chelsea lowering their demands for both players ahead of deadline day.

According to separate reports, the wheels are in motion for Chilwell and Sterling to end Monday with new clubs.

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Which clubs are favourites for Chilwell, Sterling?

Journalist Bobby Vincent of football.london, who was commenting on X, says that Strasbourg are most likely to sign Chilwell.

The French outfit, who have the same owners as Chelsea, are in line to acquire the left-back on a permanent deal.

As a a result, Ishe Samuels-Smith - who left Chelsea for Strasbourg earlier in the summer - is in line to sign for Championship team Swansea City.

Meanwhile, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sterling has emerged as an option for Fulham.

That may be a consequence of the Cottagers missing out on Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, who is instead signing for Brentford.

Like Nelson, Sterling's preference is to remain in London, and a loan switch is most realistic unless Chelsea are prepared to substantially lower their previous asking price of £20m.