Arsenal are running out of time to sign a winger in the transfer window, and have now been linked with a move for Raheem Sterling.
Sterling has been excluded from the Chelsea squad alongside a host of other players as new manager Enzo Maresca aims to cut his squad down, and an exit from Stamford Bridge looks inevitable.
Arsenal are keen on signing a winger who can rotate on both sides, and offer the explosive speed that is currently lacking in the attack.
Mikel Arteta’s top target was Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but the Spain star has elected to stay at his club, and he is now seeking out an alternative target.
Sterling could be ideal, given his speed and experience as a winger who can play on both sides, but the finances over any deal could scupper a potential last-minute transfer.
Arsenal stance over signing Raheem Sterling revealed
Arsenal are unwilling to sanction a major outlay on a player who is not a first-choice target, and despite their interest in Sterling, they will not allow his arrival to break their wage structure.
The Independent have now reported that Arsenal are “unwilling” to pay Chelsea a transfer fee for Sterling, which will make a deal difficult.
Sterling is currently on a wage of around £325k-per-week, but Arsenal are not willing to offer him a deal above £150k-per-week, in line with their wage structure, with starters such as Ben White earning a similar salary.
It is also claimed that Arteta “likes” Sterling’s personality, and “feels he can be a good influence on the squad,” given his experience, which saw him win a lot of silverware at Manchester City alongside Arteta, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Raheem Sterling would be a good addition for Arsenal if the finances are right
Arsenal cannot allow themselves to commit to paying a significant fee to sign the 29-year-old, or breaking their wage structure to offer him a deal when success is far from guaranteed with him.
However, if a deal can be reached which is financially suitable for Arsenal, Sterling would be a strong addition to the squad. He can provide a quality rotation option on both wings, and has played with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice for the England National Team.
Sterling would arrive with plenty of goals under his belt, and is also of the profile that Arsenal lack, as a winger who can offer a speedy outlet in transition and provide an additional goal threat.
If Arsenal can sign him before the transfer deadline, he could be a signing which helps them win the title.
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