Chelsea to launch double raid on Man City

Chelsea have opened negotiations to sign Nathan Ake and Raheem Sterling from Man City. Pep Guardiola has informed both players that they are free to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling has been in and out of the City first-team over the last 12 months, and the England international is said to be keen on a move to London during the transfer window. Having won several domestic titles with Pep Guardiola's side, Sterling feels that the time is right to head for pastures new.

Similarly, Nathan Ake has asked his agent to help negotiate a transfer away from Man City and the former Bournemouth man could be set for a surprise transfer move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, who are under new ownership, have been given a reported £150 million to spend on new players during this summer's transfer window. The Blues are confident that a deal can be negotiated to sign both Sterling and Ake.

It is understood that City manager Guardiola wants to make his pursuit of Champions League glory a reality and that new players will be required this summer if the Spaniard is to fulfill that wish. The arrival of Erling Haaland will make up for the likely departure of Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal; and it is understood that City are weighing up a move for Josko Gvardiol as a possible replacement for Nathan Ake.  There also continues to be persistent rumours that Man City could even make a move for Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka in a deal that could be worth upward of £100 million.