JUST IN: Agent now in London to discuss possible loan move for PL attacker,deal progressing to Final stage ahead of deadline day transfer
Arsenal could sign a new attacking player before the transfer window closes on Friday evening, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney.
The Gunners have made just three signings in David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino this summer. They could recruit a versatile forward before tomorrow’s deadline.
Delaney now reports that the London giants are interested in landing Sterling from Chelsea, but a deal is complicated, considering the Gunners don’t want to pay any fee.
Sterling, who is currently on £325,000 per week, may have to terminate his contract at Chelsea or leave on a season-long loan with part of his wages compensated by the Blues.
The Gunners are prepared to hand him a weekly package of around £150,000.
Manager Mikel Arteta has a strong relationship with Sterling from their time together at Manchester City. The Spaniard reportedly likes his personality and feels he can be a good influence.
The Englishman, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by City’s official website, also has an understanding of Arsenal tactical’s approach, given the similarity of the playing style to Pep Guardiola’s.
Aside from Sterling, the Gunners have also been offered the chance to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich. The Frenchman earns around £300,000 per week at the German giants.
Arsenal more likely to sign Sterling over Coman
The Gunners have a hectic schedule with a larger version of the Champions League. Bukayo Saka’s workload needs to be managed and the club need a quality back-up option.
Reiss Nelson has made cameos off the bench over the past year, but the Gunners graduate has been unconvincing. Arsenal need a more reliable figure to provide cover for Saka.
Both Sterling and Coman are good options, but Arteta could go with the former due to his strong relationship. The 29-year-old is also accustomed to the current playing style.
If he were to accept a huge pay-cut, Arsenal are more likely to choose him over Coman, who has been largely injury prone in his career. He missed 25 games with multiple injuries last term.
Arsenal have had a tough time with Gabriel Jesus’ injury woes and they would not want to recruit another attacker with a sketchy injury record.
The Gunners look set for a busy deadline day as they are also pushing to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
