Arsenal are interested in a deal to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and will ‘explore’ the possibility of signing the winger this summer.
Sterling is set to enter the final season of his deal at the Etihad this summer and contract talks between the England international and Premier League champions are on hold.
The 27-year-old has made 45 appearances in all competitions for City this season, but has failed to command automatic status in Pep Guardiola’s plans was named on the substitutes’ bench for both legs of the club’s Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid.
Arsenal are monitoring developments and The Telegraph are reporting that the Gunners are exploring a potential deal, with Mikel Arteta keen to make Sterling – who he worked alongside during his time on the coaching staff at City – a key part of his new-look attack.
Arsenal are closing in on Champions League qualification and will secure a place in the competition with a win over Tottenham on Thursday, a scenario which would improve their chances of landing Sterling this summer.
The Gunners allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave in January and have both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract this summer, leaving the North Londoners in need of attacking reinforcements.
Sterling has scored 130 goals in all competitions since signing for City from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015, winning three Premier League titles among his major honours.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Sterling’s club teammate, Gabriel Jesus, as Arteta looks to continue the club’s improvement with a strong transfer window.
