- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling this summer.
Enzo Maresca left Raheem Sterling out of his Chelsea squad for last weekend’s game against Manchester City and a move is looking possible.
HITC reported over the weekend that Sterling was angry and frustrated with Maresca’s decision to leave him out of the Chelsea squad and now Arsenal have made their interest known.
Sterling’s camp are working hard on finding the best options for the England winger, who has accepted that he can’t remain at Chelsea this summer with the prospect of being excluded from their Premier League squad being a very real one.
Arsenal offered chance to sign Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling
We understand that options home and abroad are being considered but the 29-year-old would rather remain in England, and indeed the capital.
Arsenal are understood to be one of the clubs who Sterling’s representatives have spoken to about a move before the end of the transfer window. It remains to be seen if Chelsea would consider a deal or indeed if Arsenal would be prepared to make an offer.
Mikel Arteta is someone that Sterling knows well and he confirmed as much on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Premier League games. “He’s someone I have really strong feelings about,” Arteta said in his press conference.
Arsenal are also in the market for a new winger and this is something they will push on with, once the signing of Mikel Merino is confirmed. The likes of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Raphinha and Ademola Lookman have all been looked at by Arsenal.
Crystal Palace appreciate Sterling
Arsenal aren’t the only side who have been offered the chance to sign the English winger with HITC understanding that Crystal Palace are also keen.
Palace are understood to have spoken about him earlier in the summer when he was offered as part of the deal for Michael Olise before the French winger joined Bayern Munich.
Now, Palace have been approached and have held talks about what it would take to do a deal. Palace manager Oliver Glasner also confirmed his admiration for the player on Friday.
“Raheem Sterling is a fantastic player, but it doesn’t mean he will be a Crystal Palace player,” Glasner said. “He’s a great player but I don’t know what will happen with him.”
Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also expressed a possible interest, whilst West Ham United were also in the mix earlier in the summer but look to be pursuing other positions at present.
Away from the Premier League, HITC understands that Juventus have a long-term interest in Sterling. However, Juventus’ priority remains Nico Gonzalez from Fiorentina and the Turin side also have an interest in Jadon Sancho, so it remains to be seen if they would make a move for Sterling.
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