Raheem Sterling & Chelsea: What is going on?

From Chelsea’s perspective, sources claim they brought Champions League sides Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus to the table. Although he was interested, Sterling’s desire to remain close to his family took precedence.

Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham were among the London clubs sounded out, but those options never materialised.

Chelsea respect Sterling’s position and are understanding of his reluctance to uproot his family for the second time three years.

But Chelsea felt his wages limited the options they could present to Sterling, particularly with regard to his preference to stay close to London.

It is important to stress, however, that wages – while a clear factor in this situation – are not the be all and end all for Sterling, who has turned down far more lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League over the past 12 months.

Indeed, the rushed circumstances surrounding his Arsenal loan last season have acted as a cautionary tale.

He had little time to consider the move given it transpired all on deadline day.

From the perspective of regular playing time, it did not pan out how he would have hoped, and Sterling was keen for more thinking time before any potential move this summer.

Sources say he will continue to report to training and maintain his level of professionalism until a solution is found.

With the window closed, Sterling finds himself in the same spot and Chelsea continue to pay his wages.

In short, nobody wins.