As the hours tick down on Deadline Day, Raheem Sterling remains a possible target for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Sterling, having worked with the winger during the pair’s time at Manchester City.
The Englishman faces a difficult situation regarding his future in the final hours of Deadline Day, with Chelsea keen to offload him.
Enzo Maresca has made it clear that Sterling is not in his plans, with matters not made easier due to the forward’s desire to remain in London.
- READ MORE: Arteta risks ruining Arsenal title challenge unless he changes transfer stance on Deadline Day
Raheem Sterling transfer latest amid Arsenal links
Sterling is one option for Arsenal on Deadline Day however, Arsenal aren’t the only option for the England international.
It’s believed that the winger has been offered to Saudi Arabian clubs and Manchester United, as well as being a possible target in North London.
Arteta reacted to links to Sterling in his press conference however, failed to shed any light on where the club is at regarding his transfer.
The ball is in the player’s court as much as it is Arsenal’s, with several hurdles to overcome on both sides.
Can Arsenal afford to sign Sterling?
One possible breaking point is Sterling’s tremendously high wages, with the 29-year-old earning £325k-a-week at Stamford Bridge.
While such wage would make the forward Arsenal’s biggest earner, Arsenal Insider have been advised that it’s not necessarily a deal that the Gunners would struggle to pull off.
Speaking to TBR’s Head of Football Content, Business, Finance & Governance Adam Williams on Deadline Day, we gained an insight into the impact that signing Sterling would have on Arsenal’s finances.
“When considering whether a club can ‘afford’ to sign someone, you have to look at two things,” Williams explained.
“One, do they have the headroom in terms of PSR? This is manifestly not an issue for Arsenal – a cursory look at the accounts tell you that.
“Two, do the club have the real-terms cash to fund the deal? If not, then you need to cut wage costs and generate cash through players.”
As Williams explained, there are many financial hurdles for clubs to consider when signing a player nowadays however, such may not be a problem for Arsenal with reference to Deadline Day.
“Again, I suspect this isn’t an issue. Historically, Arsenal have had big cash reserves. And though increased spending in recent years may have dwindled those to an extent, they can still rely on money from their owners.”
Focusing on Arsenal’s transfer stance on Sterling, Williams provided further insight.
“Ultimately, it comes down to a question of value. It’s a cost-benefit analysis. Sterling is 29 and, although he would likely have to take a pay cut at Arsenal, would still be on big wages.
“That said, Arsenal have all the leverage in these negotiations. Chelsea are a circus and a club as astute as Arsenal can take advantage of that.”
There will be answers to Arsenal’s reported interest in the Englishman by the close of play today, as Deadline Day continues to provide twists and turns.
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