Arsenal are reportedly watching Raheem Sterling as Mikel Arteta looks to take advantage of his situation at Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling, 26, joined Manchester City from Liverpool in the summer of 2015 and has proven to be a real asset for the club. However, the England international has shown contrasting form of late at the Etihad Stadium, and has started the new season with just a goal and an assist in 10 appearances so far.
While the winger is in talks with Manchester City over a new contract having entered the final 20 months of his current deal, the Daily Star claim Raheem Sterling has become a top target for Arsenal.
The report adds Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the 26-year-old forward and had an excellent relationship with him during his time at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager.
Sterling lost his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI last season, scoring just 10 times in the Premier League as he competed with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Ferran Torres and breakout star Phil Foden.
The arrival of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for a record £100million in the summer has further made it harder for the English winger to make the starting XI.
Raheem Sterling to Arsenal – A top option for Mikel Arteta?
Arsenal spent close to £150million in the summer transfer window to bolster their squad after missing out on a place in Europe for the first time in 25 years.
In came the likes of Nuno Tavares, Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu. And while the Gunners have endured a slow start to the season there’s a belief within the club that Mikel Arteta is the right man to turn around their fortunes.
It looks like Mikel Arteta has already started planning for the upcoming transfer windows and is believed to be eyeing attacking reinforcements. With Alexandre Lacazette into the final year of his contract, Nicolas Pepe yet to justify his hefty price tag, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not getting any younger and Eddie Nketiah not doing enough to break into the first team, Arsenal could do with a new forward next year.
In that regard, Raheem Sterling would be a brilliant fit at the Emirates Stadium. Predominantly a left-winger, Sterling can also play off the right or lead the attack if required. The England international’s unpredictable movement, passing, link-up play and eye for goal has made him a feared forward in Europe. Quick and intelligent, he never hesitates to take on his man with his dribbling skills while creating chances for his teammates with his vision and off the ball movement.
Arsenal could use an experienced forward like Sterling in their squad, as they currently lack quality and depth in the attacking end of the pitch to challenge with last season’s top four teams. He could perhaps be the kind of addition that will provide the Gunners with the X-factor to carve open the tightest of defences in the Premier League.
However, the north Londoners would find it difficult to sign Sterling from Manchester City if their exile from Europe continues next season.