Former Aston Villa and England forward Gabby Agbonlahor believes Chelsea should sign a central defender after Raheem Sterling’s move is confirmed.
Manchester City and Chelsea have agreed on a £45 million transfer fee for Raheem Sterling with personal terms already agreed between Chelsea and Sterling. The 27-year-old England international will have his medicals on Monday.
Chelsea lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer.
Antonio Rudiger joined Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer after five years at the club.
Andreas Christensen was unveiled this week by Barcelona following his free transfer to the club.
Currently, Chelsea has only two center-backs in their squad. Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva will be 38 years old in September. The blues are in the market seeking to sign the replacement of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
The blues have open talks with Manchester City for Dutch international Nathan Ake. Manchester City wants £45 million for the 25-year-old versatile defender. There are reports that Nathan Ake is open to joining his former club as he has agreed on personal terms with them.
Chelsea is also in talks with Juventus for Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt. Chelsea saw their initial bid of £35 million-plus Timo Werner rejected.
Despite a deal for Raheem Sterling close, Gabby Agbonlahor believes for Chelsea to be able to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title they need to replace Rudiger and Christensen.
What did Gabby Agbonlahor say?
The former Aston Villa and England international said via talkSPORTS, saying: “[Sterling] will help them bridge the gap.
“What was it, [19 points] behind Manchester City? That’s a big gap.
“They have lost Rudiger who, for me, was one of the best defenders in the Premier League last season, they have to fill that gap.
“There is talk of De Ligt coming in but that’s not done yet.
“Lukaku has gone. For me, they probably need another striker because Werner is hot and cold. Pulisic and Ziyech are looking like they are going to leave.
“Sterling will make them better but, for me, they still need three or four top players to get anywhere near Liverpool or Manchester City.”
Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte has confirmed he is staying at Manchester City despite Chelsea’s interest.
Aymeric Laporte said via RMC Sport: “Four league trophies, yes, but that’s eleven in all. It’s not just the Premier League. It’s very good for the club and me. I’m happy to benefit people here too by bringing the Premier League trophy. It had never happened.
“So I’m super happy with this season that I’ve had, despite an injury at the end of the season. I was able to hold on until the end.
“Yes [I am staying this season], I’m super happy and fit. The team too. There remains only the common objective, the Champions League, but we will do everything to get it this year.”
Aymeric Laporte was instrumental as Manchester City won their fourth Premier League title in five years. He scored 4 goals in 44 appearances for Manchester City last season.
