Arsenal move for Chelsea wantaway Raheem Sterling reaches 'final stages'

The England international is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge after being frozen out of the first-team plans by new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Sterling played a prominent part in pre-season for the Blues before failing to be selected in their squad for the opening match of the Premier League campaign.

Since making the switch from Manchester City to West London during the summer of 2022, the winger has featured on 81 occasions, scoring 19 times.

Missing out on selection for Gareth Southgate's England squad at Euro 2024, Sterling has made 82 international appearances for the Three Lions following his first cap in 2012.

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Arsenal reach 'final stages' in Sterling deal

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are close to securing the services of Sterling before the conclusion of the summer window.

The report claims that a deal for the 29-year-old is approaching the final stages, with the former Man City star set to become the Gunners' fifth addition of the summer.

It is understood that Sterling will make the switch across the capital on a loan deal for 2024-25 campaign, one in which Arsenal are competing on both domestic and European fronts.

Working with the winger at Man City, Mikel Arteta is known to be a massive admirer of the out-of-favour Chelsea star, who is supposedly excited at the prospect of moving to the Emirates.

Arsenal are preparing for another serious title charge

Should Sterling cross Premier League battlelines from Chelsea to Arsenal, the latter would be adding a proven top-class talent to their title-chasing ranks.

With the ability to operate anywhere across the forward line, the former England international would provide a versatile option for Arteta as his side fight on four fronts this term.

Considering the quality of Arsenal's summer signings so far, it is not difficult to imagine Sterling collecting his fifth Premier League winners medal as part of the Gunners squad in May.