The transfer saga surrounding Raheem Sterling looks set to head down to the wire on transfer deadline day, as Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with a move.
The winger is free to leave Chelsea in the final hours of the summer window, following his exile from the first-team squad.
New manager Enzo Maresca is looking to make his mark on the squad and has made it clear to Raheem Sterling that he won’t suit his system.
“He [Raheem Sterling] is not the type of winger I like,” the Chelsea head coach said earlier this month. “That says nothing about him, the history and numbers speak for Raheem.”
Arsenal could be one of the sides who take advantage of such a decision should they decide to make a late approach.
Mikel Arteta has previously worked with Sterling in his time at Manchester City and has been linked with bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.
If the Gunners do make their move, they face potential competition from Manchester United for his signature.
Raheem Sterling makes Arsenal and Man United transfer decision
So with both Arsenal and Manchester United set to potentially duke it out for Sterling’s signature, there are questions about which move he would prefer.
According to GiveMeSport, the forward would prefer to join the Gunners over the Red Devils this summer if both offers are equal.
That is a key part though, with uncertainty surrounding the financial package each club may be able to offer.
The report states that Arsenal would not offer more than £150,000-per-week – which Man United could look to match.
Sterling is currently on a wage worth over £300,000-per-week at Stamford Bridge, which may complicate the deal.
Plenty may depend on Chelsea’s willingness to cut ties, given how expensive it would be for them to settle the remaining years on the 29-year-old’s contract.
Arsenal could face late move for Raheem Sterling on transfer deadline day
If Arsenal are looking to get the best deal possible for Sterling, they may wish to hold firm and force an incredibly late switch.
Chelsea are in a weak position when it comes to negotiating over the winger, given their public desire to move him on.
With high wages on the books, it’s a situation the Blues will want sorted sooner rather than later.
However, with that position comes a chance for the Gunners to maximise the deal as their rivals may be forced to settle the deal in one way or another.
It may mean the latest of late scrambles to get the move completed on transfer deadline day, but it’s one that could add that extra firepower to the side.
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