England winger Raheem Sterling could make a surprise move from Manchester City to Arsenal, as per reports.
The Manchester City attacker was poor in the second half of the 2020-21 season, scoring just once in 16 appearances. The Sun have claimed that the 26-year-old could be allowed to leave with manager Pep Guardiola interested in selling Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to Tottenham to help sign Harry Kane.
But Arsenal are reportedly in the former Liverpool player, as they look to add more quality to their attack. Arsenal would also be ready to pay the Englishman’s wages.
Sterling has been sensational for Manchester City since signing from Liverpool in 2015, mustering 114 goals and 87 assists in 292 appearances. The City winger has two years remaining on his current contract at the club.
Raheem Sterling to Arsenal – The quality their attack needs?
Raheem Sterling has been a brilliant signing for Manchester City, helping the side to three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four League Cups. The Englishman’s dribbling and speed have caused problems for opposition defences over the years, while he has also improved on his finishing in recent years.
But the recent ascent of youngster Phil Foden has pushed Sterling down the pecking order, and he may have to play a bit-part role in the future if Foden continues his good form. Sterling may have to seek pastures anew as he is a quality player that may not want to sit on the bench.
There are just a few clubs in the Premier League who could match Sterling’s wages. Returning to Liverpool is not an option, while Chelsea have a number of attackers, while City may not want to sell to city rivals Manchester United. That leaves just two of the “big 6” – Arsenal and Tottenham.
Can’t wait to get going @England 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/yGoMGEEKwB
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) June 1, 2021
It would be a huge coup if Mikel Arteta can convince his board and Sterling to make this transfer happen. The Englishman is just 26 years of age, has a lot more to offer and is yet to hit his prime years.
Arsenal currently have a few promising youngsters, but they need a few experienced personnel, especially at the back and in attack. Sterling would go straight into the Arsenal starting XI, playing off the left.
His speed, vision, and quick feet could make Arsenal an exceptional counter-attacking, with Bukayo Saka or Nicolas Pepe on the opposite wing, and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up top.
The signing of a player of the calibre of Raheem Sterling would be the step in the right direction to rebuild Arsenal and help them push up the table.