Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are in the market for a Manchester City forward this summer it seems, and have explored the possibility of bringing Raheem Sterling to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports.
Arteta's time spent at the Etihad, as assistant manager under Pep Guardiola, has meant that the Gunners' transfer policy has unsurprisingly been likened to Manchester City, and this summer it seems as though they believe that a deal is there to be struck with the Spaniards old club.
Last month, the north London club, who sit in pole position to finish 4th this season, were linked with a move for Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, whose future is in question following the impending arrival of Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Since the links emerged, Jesus has gone on a final goalscoring stint, and started both legs of the Champions League semi-final, suggesting that perhaps he is not as far out of the door as was previously implied.
Sterling now in the crosshairs
And, now as per the Telegraph, the Gunners could be making a move for City winger Raheem Sterling rather than Jesus this summer, depending on who became available from the seemingly inevitable departures in the northwest.
Like Jesus, Sterling is out of contract in 12 months and there have not yet been constructive renewal talks, meaning that he could be available at a cut-price, and Arsenal stand waiting.
'Arsenal are ready to explore a move for Raheem Sterling should he become available this summer when his Manchester City contract enters its final year', they report.
Should the Gunners pick up either City forward, it would be a massive statement of intent, and could well propel them into the next phase of the process.
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