Raheem Sterling appears set to be embroiled in one of the transfer sagas of the summer window, with less than one week remaining before it slams shut.
The Chelsea star has been snubbed from his side’s opening two matches of the Premier League season, with new boss Enzo Maresca opting for other choices.
As Raheem Sterling appears to be out of favour, a transfer is on the cards as the 29-year-old looks to shine away from Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal have been loosely linked as a possible transfer destination for Sterling, with Mikel Arteta working with the forward in his time at Manchester City.
That could open up a route to the Emirates Stadium for the England international, but it appears as though he has one priority to settle at Chelsea first.
Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea transfer demand
If Sterling is able to make a move to Arsenal this summer, or elsewhere for that matter, it appears as though some issues at Chelsea will have to be worked out first.
Not least surrounding his contract situation and whether the Blues will be able to cover any lost earnings from making a switch.
That’s according to David Ornstein, who told NBC Sports: “They’re [Chelsea] gonna have to find a solution to the [Sterling] situation.
“There are talks between himself and the club hierarchy over what to do, there are three years on a contract that in excess of £325,000-a-week.
“So what Chelsea owe him runs into the tens of millions of pounds and I think Raheem Sterling’s priority is to settle that before he decides where he might like to go…”
On the transfer interest out there, Ornstein adds: “I’m sure teams like Arsenal, Man United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace hold varying degrees of appeal to Raheem Sterling but that situation with Chelsea needs to be sorted out.”
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta handed clear Arsenal transfer verdict amid Ademola Lookman and Raheem Sterling rumours
What Mikel Arteta has said about Raheem Sterling
With his old colleague now available on the transfer market, Arteta was asked about his relationship with Sterling in years past.
Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s clash against Aston Villa, the Arsenal boss said: “My time with Raheem was exceptional.
“We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time.
“He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we help them and support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.”
Whether those strong feelings develop into a transfer remains to be seen, however, a deal could be open once the transfer issue with Chelsea is sorted.
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