Raheem Sterling Considering Exit “Prison” Chelsea Contract as Napoli Circle

Raheem Sterling is seriously considering drawing a line under his Chelsea career, with the England international increasingly open to terminating what has been described as a “prison” contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old winger has endured a miserable spell in West London and now finds himself completely frozen out, prompting renewed interest from Serie A giants Napoli as they search for attacking reinforcements under strict financial limitations.

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Sterling Desperate for Escape Route

Napoli have reignited their long-standing interest in Sterling, with the former Manchester City man eager to find a way out of Chelsea after months on the sidelines.

Sterling has not featured for the Blues since returning from his loan spell at Arsenal at the end of last season, effectively becoming a forgotten figure at the club. According to Corriere dello Sport, the winger is now actively seeking a solution to escape his lucrative Chelsea deal, which has stalled his career at a crucial stage.

At 31, Sterling is keen to return to regular football, and his versatility across the front line continues to appeal to Napoli’s recruitment team.

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Napoli’s Zero-Balance Transfer Reality

Any potential move, however, is complicated by Napoli’s strict “zero balance” policy for the January window. The Serie A side are not permitted to spend more than they generate, meaning incomings are entirely dependent on player sales.

Sporting director Giovanni Manna is currently exploring a number of exits to unlock funds:

• Giuseppe Ambrosino is set to join Venezia on loan with a €2m option to buy, which becomes mandatory if Venezia earn promotion.
• Marianucci, fresh from assisting in Napoli’s 2-2 draw with Verona, is attracting interest from Cremonese and Torino.
• Torino are reportedly considering a loan deal with a €20m option to buy for Marianucci — a massive potential profit on a player Napoli signed for just €9m.

Only once these moves materialise can Napoli realistically consider adding a high-profile name like Sterling to their squad.

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The Lorenzo Lucca Domino Effect

The biggest key to Napoli’s winter business could be striker Lorenzo Lucca. The club invested heavily in the forward, paying a total of €35m to Udinese, but he is now attracting strong interest from Benfica.

Negotiations with the Portuguese side have stalled due to Napoli’s €30m valuation, which Benfica currently view as excessive. Nottingham Forest are also monitoring the situation, further complicating matters.

Napoli are open to allowing Lucca to leave — potentially via an expensive loan with an option to buy — but only if a replacement can be secured to support Rasmus Højlund.

Should that domino fall, Sterling’s name could quickly move from the background to the forefront of Napoli’s plans.

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Chelsea Exit Feels Inevitable

From a Chelsea perspective, Sterling’s departure feels long overdue. With no clear pathway back into the first-team picture and wages that remain a burden on the club, an early contract resolution or exit could suit all parties.

For Sterling, it is now about pride, relevance, and minutes on the pitch — and a fresh start in Serie A may be his last realistic chance to revive a glittering career that has stalled badly at Stamford Bridge.