Ferdinand predicts how Arsenal's transfer saga with Sterling will play out

Rio Ferdinand reckons there is no way Raheem Sterling will be at Manchester City next season if he remains on the fringes of Pep Guardiola's side.

The England winger was linked with a move away from the Etihad in the summer as City looked to use the funds from his sale to facilitate a deal for Harry Kane.

But after it emerged the Tottenham striker would be staying in north London, Sterling would also stay put for the time being.

Guardiola has used the former Liverpool winger sparingly this season, suggesting that his time at City could be numbered.

Arsenal were linked with Sterling in the summer window and it's reported they could reignite their interest in less than a year's time if he is set to depart City.

Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on Raheem Sterling's future ( Image:

BT Sport)

Where will Raheem Sterling end up next season? Comment below

Spurs are also a potential landing spot and if their stance on Kane changes, he could be used as a makeweight - something that was offered to chairman Daniel Levy in the previous window.

Ferdinand has no doubts that Sterling will look for a move elsewhere if he continues to remain on the bench for Guardiola's men.

But the pundit insists that Spurs and Arsenal will have no chance of getting in the mix as Sterling will want to go to a team that are looking to compete for silverware.

He told his FIVE YouTube channel : "I will say it now. If he continues like this, Raheem will not be there next season. He can't sit on the bench, he is not that type of guy. He is a winner, he wants to win.

"Tottenham can't get in the mix, Arsenal can't get in the mix with a Sterling right now."

Ferdinand reckons Man City are the team to beat this season as they look to defend their Premier League crown.

Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move to Arsenal ( Image:

Getty Images)

The Manchester United hero added: "It ebbs and flows man! In the first four of five games of the season, I was sitting there and thinking Chelsea are the team to beat," the Manchester United legend told his FIVE YouTube channel.

"Three of four games later and I'm thinking Man City are the team to beat. They have looked seriously impressive against the big teams.

"They dominated Chelsea away, they dominated Liverpool in the first half and should have seen the game off.

Raheem Sterling has not been a regular for Manchester City this season

"They might be a bit disappointed with a 2-2 draw but they look the most impressive to me. They look formidable at times.

"There's no doubt they're going to dominate 99 per cent of their games but it's just about the finishing.

'When they get over that element and get that right, I think they are the team to beat.

"Manchester City have got the experience and the class and the players. They seem to be head and shoulders above everyone else tactically."