Raheem Sterling gushes over reported Arsenal target who is training ‘like an animal’

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Raheem Sterling told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport that reported Arsenal target John Stones has been training ‘like an animal’ during his times of struggles.

EuroSport have claimed that Arsenal are keen to speak to Stones about the possibility of the England defender moving to the Emirates Stadium next month.

In recent times, Stones has found life tough at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola dropping him from the starting XI, but he has revived himself in recent weeks.

Sterling shared how Stones has been fairing of late and how he has reacted to falling down the pecking order.

“He’s such a blessed football player,” said Sterling. “When he first came to Man City we were all banking on him to be that number one centre-back in the world because that’s the talent that I see in him that’s he got.

“He’s gone through a difficult patch like everybody can do and everybody has in the past. And it just shows in his mentality where he is at to keep going and wait for his opportunity.

“He’s, to be honest, he trains like an animal since he hasn’t been in the team. He hasn’t dropped his head. He hasn’t sulked once. He’s in the gym every day. When I see him now reaping those rewards I am really happy for him.”

From a numbers perspective, Arsenal don’t need Stones, but a lot of centre-backs at the club aren’t playing for one reason or another.

Shkodran Mustafi isn’t fancied by Arteta, nor is youngster William Saliba, with Sokratis left out of the 25-man squad and David Luiz hardly featuring of late.

Arteta has worked with Stones before so it’s understandable why he would be keen on the ball-playing defender.

But it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arsenal fans don’t react well to these rumours because they will feel a player like Saliba is better off being used instead.

Then again, will Arteta make it until the January transfer window?