Journalist Lolade Adewuyi has stated that one striker is close to signing his contract to join Chelsea.

He took to Twitter to state that current star Raheem Sterling has been integral in the deal being on the cards in the first place.

Sterling has proven to be a bit of an unpopular figure amongst Chelsea fans in recent weeks especially, with him struggling on the pitch despite being given plenty of opportunities.

Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

His most recent display in the FA Cup against Leicester City was the culmination of this, with many inside Stamford Bridge fed up off the back of what was a notably poor display.

He was ironically jeered off the pitch when he was subbed off late, with chants being aimed at Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly in frustration.

Sterling convinces Ibrahim to join Chelsea

It looks as if he may have had a part to play though in what is going to be the next addition in West London.

Adewuyi has stated that Nigerian striker Hafiz Umar Ibrahim is set to begin training with the Blues tomorrow, and the England international played a big part in convincing him it was the right project.

He said: “Alert: Ojodu FC’s Hafiz Umar Ibrahim has arrived in London and will be at Chelsea from Monday for two weeks before signing a contract with the Blues.

“In February, Chelsea had Raheem Sterling jump on a video call with the young Nigerian striker to convince him of their interest.

“He finally obtained his UK visa last week and boarded a flight for London where he will begin training with the squad on Monday. Good luck to Hafiz.”

Who is Hafiz Umar Ibrahim?

Signing young stars before they are picked up by fellow elite sides has been key in the Boehly mantra since he took over the club, and Ibrahim certainly meets that criteria.

The 18-year-old is currently starring for Ojodu City FC, and he has certainly been finding the net on a regular basis.

He has 10 goals in just six games in the Viareggio Cup, and the striker certainly possesses a threat with his 6’2 frame.

The striker role at Stamford Bridge already looks as if it is going to be competitive for years to come, with younger players such as Deivid Washington also waiting for a real opportunity to impress.

This is of course alongside reports that they are going to address the position in the short term with a big-name signing this summer.