David Ornstein has been speaking to Sky Sports about the future of Raheem Sterling, amid reports Arsenal are interested in signing the forward.
What’s the story?
Well, Ornstein shared some interesting comments about the £49m man, who is currently struggling to get into Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.
Sterling has made just two Premier League starts this season following the arrival of Jack Grealish, and he could now leave Manchester City.
Ornstein said: “It’s not really going his way. He’s 26 years old now, and it’s a crucial juncture in his career. It seems like he won’t be signing a new contract unless his game time starts to increase.”
Now, that is quite a big update.
Sterling’s current deal expires in June 2023. Therefore, if the Citizens do not sell him in 2022, they risk losing him for nothing in 2023.
That will surely interest Arsenal, who Calciomercato believe have already submitted a bid as they look to bring the 26-year-old to north London.
Can Arsenal sign Raheem Sterling?
When we first heard these rumours, our first impression was that this deal would be impossible.
Sterling is among the best forwards in Europe, and Guardiola surely wouldn’t sell him to a Premier League rival.
However, the 71-cap England international’s contract situation gives him plenty of power.
For example, if he opts to join Arsenal, he can force the move by refusing to go elsewhere, which will prompt Manchester City into selling him.
It’s either that, or lose him for nothing in 2023, where he could still end up at Arsenal or another Premier League rival.
The Citizens are certainly in a sticky situation, made all the more difficult given his lack of playing time right now.
Keep an eye on this situation, as there will presumably be more developments ahead of the January transfer window.
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