The club's expensive acquisition at $62 million (£47.5 million) finds himself on a list, one that includes 15 other players being touted for sale, and he now faces training separate from the main group. Manager Enzo Maresca sent a brutal message about those not part of his plans - including Sterling - as Chelsea looks to move several big names on.
"I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers," Maresca explained. "This is the reason why.
"I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I didn't see Raheem after the game. "In this moment, they (Sterling and Ben Chilwell) are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear. There is not any update on their situations.
"In case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don't have anything new to tell him because I was quite clear."
Sterling has his eyes firmly set on staying within the top tiers of English soccer. Aston Villa has emerged as a potential suitor, according to the Mirror , providing not only Premier League continuity but also the allure of Champions League action - key for Sterling who is resolute on reclaiming his spot with the England squad, thus shunning possibilities like a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Despite Juventus showing interest in a swap deal involving Federico Chiesa, such an arrangement seems unlikely to tempt Chelsea. Seeking "clarity" was Sterling's response after unexpectedly missing out on the opening Premier League clash with Manchester City.
As Stamford Bridge's top wage earner at a whopping $392,000 (£300,000) weekly, his situation contrasts starkly with Chelsea's trend towards more modestly incentivized deals averaging $78,500 (£60,000) a week..
The pressure to sell is on as the club must balance its financials. However, the narrative took a twist as Chelsea welcomed Joao Felix for around $60 million (£45.5m). The Stamford Bridge club is now in a race against time to offload players before the August 31 transfer deadline - or risk needing to keep paying and playing the unwanted players.
"We'll see," added Maresca. "Now it is a bit early. We still have 10 days of the transfer window. As I said many times, many things can happen in the last 10 days, the last week, so we'll see."
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