Raheem Sterling, clearly not in the plans of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, was on the radar of Juventus during the summer transfer window for a second season on the spin.
Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United all showed interest in the former England ace, along with European giants Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus.
Both Leverkusen and Juve were brought to the table to explore a deal for the 30-year-old, who has been exiled at Chelsea ever since Maresca joined before the 2024/25 Premier League season kicked off.
Right winger Sterling was being considered by the Bianconeri on a season-long loan from 12 months ago, but when nothing materialized he was surprisingly shipped off to Arsenal.
Underwhelming Arsenal stint
The Jamaican-born fading star was hardly used by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, starting only five Premier League games, so predictably the Gunners opted to send him back to Chelsea.
Sterling failed to make Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup squad, partly due to his lack of game time, with Maresca sensationally winning the cash-rich competition.
He was placed on their transfer list in the summer, with an asking price of €23 million (US$26.9m), despite his contract expiring in 2027.
Sterling, who was a marquee signing in 2022 under the now England manager Thomas Tuchel was coached for short stints by Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino. His first two seasons at the club saw the Kingston-born whizzy winger highly successful by scoring 19 goals in 81 appearances.
Finances are an obstacle for Juve swoop
He swiftly fell down the pecking order on Maresca's arrival. Juve have twice explored the cost to attract the ex-Liverpool and Manchester City icon. Yet his weekly wage of more than €300,000 (US$351,000) has repeatedly put the Italian giants off.
As his age and steep salary demands go against Juve’s transfer policy of buying young players who can develop, there has always been no chance of buying Sterling.
Only a loan, without an obligation to purchase, would suit the Bianconeri. This would only happen on the proviso that Chelsea were prepared to help out substantially with Sterling's extortionate salary.
The then Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag has unsuccessfully tried to lure Sterling to Old Trafford, when he was the Manchester United manager, and his steep salary demands was an issue for the German Bundesliga club.
Although Sterling could earn the same sort of figure in the Saudi Pro League, he has rejected the idea of joining overseas teams because he prefers to stay in the English capital. Yet his exit plan remains uncertain and he seems destined to play a bit-part until he can be offloaded.
Juventus loan viable for Sterling
Sterling has not played a competitive match for Chelsea since Maresca has been at the helm. Following his underwhelming loan stint at Arsenal, he is unlikely to achieve a permanent move. Only a season-long loan is likely to be considered by clubs.
With his international career over, and now winding down his career, Sterling could be tempted to Turin during the winter transfer window if head coach Igor Tudor requires cover down the right flank to tackle the Champions League.
It could be third time lucky for Juventus to attract Sterling to Turin, but the upheaval from his beloved London has proved to be a sticking point when Juve showed previous interest.