Antonio Conte approves Napoli move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling amid Nottingham Forest transfer twist

In a development that could significantly reshape the Serie A landscape and trigger a domino effect in the Premier League, Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has reportedly given the green light for a high-profile move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling. The Italian tactician sees the England international as a cornerstone of his plans to revive the Neapolitans, who are desperate to bounce back from a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.

The story took a dramatic twist over the weekend as sources revealed that Nottingham Forest, long viewed as one of the few Premier League clubs quietly eyeing Sterling, were preparing a proposal of their own. However, the East Midlands club may now face disappointment, with Conte directly intervening to accelerate negotiations between Napoli and Chelsea—an intervention that could seal the deal.

This comprehensive report unpacks the background of Sterling’s potential exit from Stamford Bridge, the factors behind Conte’s pursuit, the unexpected involvement of Nottingham Forest, Chelsea’s stance on a sale, and what it all means for the player, his suitors, and the market as a whole.

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Sterling’s Chelsea Stagnation – Time to Move On?

When Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for a fee close to £50 million, he was expected to bring experience, goals, and a winning mentality to a young, transitional squad. Two seasons later, the narrative has shifted dramatically.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Sterling has struggled to consistently impose himself. The 2023/24 season saw him register 6 goals and 4 assists in 32 Premier League appearances—a modest return for a player once considered among the most dangerous wide forwards in Europe.

A tactical mismatch, injury issues, and Chelsea’s ever-changing managerial situation contributed to his stagnation. Now, under Enzo Maresca, it appears Sterling is not a central part of the club’s future, especially with the rise of younger wingers like Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and new signings expected before the end of the window.

The club is reportedly open to selling Sterling if a suitable offer arrives, with sources suggesting a valuation in the region of £25–30 million—a significant drop from his original fee, but reflective of his form and age (he turns 31 in December).

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Antonio Conte’s Napoli: A New Project in Motion

For Napoli, Sterling’s availability presents a rare opportunity. Following their title-winning 2022/23 season, the club has endured two turbulent years, finishing outside the top four and undergoing multiple managerial changes. With Antonio Conte now in charge, the Azzurri are determined to reset with a squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe.

Conte is already pushing for major reinforcements, and insiders say Sterling is a priority target. The Italian boss reportedly sees the English winger as a direct, explosive attacking outlet, ideal for his preferred 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 systems.

According to Il Mattino, Conte personally approved the club’s move for Sterling during a recruitment summit held on Monday in Rome with Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna. The club is now formalizing an offer structure that could include an initial loan with a mandatory purchase clause—designed to align with FFP and amortization regulations.

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Why Sterling Appeals to Conte

Conte has long favored hard-working, dynamic wingers with positional intelligence and the ability to impact games in transition. At Inter Milan, Achraf Hakimi and Ivan Perišić thrived in his wing-back system. At Chelsea, he made effective use of Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso in similar roles.

Sterling, though not a traditional wing-back, offers the off-the-ball movement, tactical discipline, and cutting-edge dribbling Conte craves. While his end product has dipped, Sterling’s expected goals (xG) and chances created per 90 minutes remain among the highest in Chelsea’s squad, signaling untapped value.

Conte believes that in a more clearly defined role, especially against lower defensive blocks in Serie A, Sterling can rediscover his sharpness and confidence, much like Romelu Lukaku did under his tutelage at Inter.

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The Nottingham Forest Twist: Genuine Interest, But Too Late?

Adding a layer of intrigue to the saga, Nottingham Forest were also reportedly exploring a shock move for Sterling. According to sources close to the club, Forest were discussing the feasibility of a deal as part of their ambitious efforts to reshape their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo is known to value experienced professionals who can lead younger players. With Forest seeking to add top-level pace and creativity to support Morgan Gibbs-White, Sterling was seen as a potential short-term solution and marquee name that could help change perceptions about the club’s direction.

Talks were said to be at a preliminary stage, with Forest inquiring about Sterling’s wage demands, loan possibilities, and Chelsea’s willingness to subsidize part of the salary. The stumbling block, however, was always going to be financial: Sterling earns upwards of £300,000 per week, a figure way beyond Forest’s current wage structure.

By the time Forest explored the deal further, Napoli had already advanced discussions, with Conte’s influence pushing negotiations over the line. While Forest are still actively seeking a top-tier wide forward, Sterling is now considered “off the table”, barring a dramatic collapse of the Napoli agreement.

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Chelsea’s View: Cutting the Wage Bill and Making Room

From Chelsea’s perspective, selling Sterling is as much a financial decision as a tactical one. With the Blues seeking to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and make room for younger attackers, offloading one of their highest earners makes strategic sense.

Chelsea insiders say the club is happy to facilitate Sterling’s departure, so long as the financial terms benefit all parties. They would reportedly prefer a permanent sale, but understand that a structured loan-to-buy model may be more viable given Sterling’s wages.

Crucially, Chelsea are not desperate to push him out, but believe that moving on would benefit both the player and the club. If Napoli submit a competitive proposal and agree to cover at least 60–70% of his wages, a deal could be finalized by mid-August.

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Sterling’s Stance: Open to Serie A Switch

Raheem Sterling, for his part, is said to be open to the idea of joining Napoli, especially under a manager of Conte’s stature. While he has never played abroad, Sterling is understood to be intrigued by the chance to revive his career in a new environment, away from the relentless scrutiny of English football.

Friends close to the player describe him as “motivated and hungry to prove he still has more to give”. The opportunity to play regularly, in a side competing for titles, is also a key factor. At Chelsea, Sterling now faces intense competition from younger talents, and his minutes could shrink under Maresca’s system.

Sterling has not publicly commented on the speculation but has reportedly not ruled out a move abroad, provided his family situation is accommodated and the club offers European football.

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What’s Next? Deal Timeline and Final Details

Napoli are expected to submit a formal offer to Chelsea within the next 5–7 days. The deal will likely include an initial season-long loan with a mandatory purchase clause triggered by appearances or league position.

Chelsea will demand clarity on how wages will be shared, while Sterling’s agent is currently working on potential image rights and bonuses, which could also affect the final structure.

Forest, meanwhile, have now turned their attention back to younger, more financially sustainable wide players, with links to Johan Bakayoko (PSV) and Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United) emerging in recent days.

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Implications: Dominoes Across Europe

Sterling’s departure could have ripple effects across European football:

• Chelsea would gain room in their squad for a new winger, with interest growing in players like Michael Olise, Crysencio Summerville, and Desire Doue.
• Napoli may need to offload at least one of Hirving Lozano or Matteo Politano to accommodate Sterling’s arrival.
• Nottingham Forest must now recalibrate their creative targets, potentially shifting funds toward a central playmaker rather than a marquee winger.
• Premier League rivals like West Ham and Fulham—both previously linked with Sterling—may now pivot to alternative wide options.

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Conclusion: Conte’s Call May End Sterling’s Chelsea Story

Raheem Sterling’s time at Chelsea may be nearing its end, not with a dramatic falling-out or scandal, but with a mutual realization that the fit no longer works. With Antonio Conte personally endorsing his arrival at Napoli, the former City star now has a clear path to revive his career in Italy—under a manager known for rekindling players’ careers.

For Nottingham Forest, the twist is a reminder of the cutthroat nature of top-tier recruitment, where timing, finances, and managerial influence can make or break potential coups.

As Napoli and Chelsea finalize terms, Sterling could soon be heading to Naples—not just for a fresh start, but to rediscover the fire that once made him one of England’s most electrifying stars.