As the January 2026 transfer window opens, West Ham United has emerged as a primary suitor for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and various insiders, the Hammers are "exceptionally active" in the market and have officially discussed the feasibility of a loan deal for the 31-year-old. West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is reportedly leading the evaluation, viewing Sterling as a potential solution to bolster an attack that has struggled for pace and consistency this season.

Sterling’s situation at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly dire. He has not played a single minute of competitive football during the 2025/26 campaign, having been completely frozen out of the first-team setup. Along with teammates like Axel Disasi, Sterling has spent months training away from the main squad. Chelsea management is eager to remove his significant £325,000-per-week wages from their books and is reportedly willing to subsidize a large portion of his salary to facilitate a move this winter.

Despite West Ham's clear interest, the transfer faces significant hurdles. While the Hammers can offer the regular playing time Sterling needs to revive his career, reports suggest the player is hesitant about joining a club currently embroiled in a relegation battle. Furthermore, Sterling is said to prefer a permanent exit rather than another temporary loan, with Fulham also reportedly in the race for his signature. The coming days will be decisive as the player weighs his loyalty to remaining in London against the urgent need for competitive minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.