Chelsea warned they must keep Christian Pulisic despite Raheem Sterling transfer links

Christian Pulisic has the quality to succeed at Chelsea even if the Blues move for Raheem Sterling, former United States international Brad Friedel says.

Chelsea are expected to be active in the transfer market under new owner Todd Boehly as they aim to improve on last season's third-place finish in the Premier League. One of the players most strongly linked with a Stamford Bridge switch is England forward Sterling, who is entering the final year of his contract at current club Manchester City and is open to joining the London side.

If Sterling does return to west London more than a decade after leaving boyhood club QPR, Pulisic could be among those whose minutes come under threat. With a World Cup on the horizon, the former Borussia Dortmund star may be tempted to look at his options elsewhere, but his compatriot isn't worried just yet.

"You could be at far worse places than Chelsea football club, and if you have to fight for your place, so be it," said Friedel, speaking exclusively to on behalf of 888sport. In addition to Pulisic, Chelsea have the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech competing for a limited number of roles, but the ex-goalkeeper remains hopeful about Pulisic's prospects.

"No one has a divine right to start," Friedel continued. "I think Christian is a wonderful footballer and a wonderful talent, and I would think that he would back himself against competition and other players.

"I don't know the conversations between Christian and Chelsea, and between Thomas Tuchel and Christian, so I don't know what has been said. But if the manager says you have to fight for your place, or if he says 'you're in my plans', then Christian should stay of course.

"If he says 'You're