Chelsea strip Raheem Sterling of squad number and hand it to new signing

Chelsea have confirmed new squad numbers for summer signings Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, with Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah's shirts being reassigned to the Portuguese duo.

The Blues confirmed the arrival of Neto from Wolves last week, while Felix's return to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid was announced on Wednesday, with Conor Gallagher's move in the other direction also being finalised.

Enzo Maresca revealed at a press conference Sterling is not in his plans after being left out of Sunday's squad for their 2-0 loss to Manchester City, while Chalobah has long been training away from the first team. The club are hoping to sell both players before the transfer deadline next Friday.

Chelsea have continued to edge Sterling and Chalobah towards the exit door by stripping them of their squad numbers.

A club statement read: "Chelsea can announce the following squad number updates, with confirmation of which number Joao Felix will wear for the Blues.

"The Portugal international, who has returned to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid, will sport the number 14 shirt for Enzo Maresca's side this season.

"Meanwhile his fellow countryman, Pedro Neto, will switch from the number 19 he wore against Manchester City to the number seven for the remainder of this campaign.

"It will not be until the end of August when the transfer window shuts that the full list of Chelsea squad numbers are finalised - and they will remain subject to change until that point.

"Any supporters who had purchased a current Chelsea shirt with Pedro Neto 19 on the back from the official Chelsea megastore or online store, will be eligible for an exchange until September 30. Proof of purchase will be required before any exchange is issued."

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