Report: Mikel Arteta's stance on Raheem Sterling transfer as Arsenal wage stance laid out for Chelsea misfit

Arsenal completed the signing of Mikel Merino this week but Mikel Arteta may yet have one more signing in mind before the transfer deadline.

The Gunners had already tied up two important signings before the Premier League season kicked off.

David Raya’s loan became permanent and Arsenal invested in defender Riccardo Calafiori having been impressed with him at Bologna.

Arsenal have now bought Mikel Merino, luring him away from Real Sociedad to bolster Mikel Arteta’s engine room.

A departure now seems to be the next move with Eddie Nketiah on the verge of joining Crystal Palace.

That may just pave the way for another arrival though as Arsenal consider adding to Arteta’s attacking options.

Mikel Arteta stance on Raheem Sterling to Arsenal

The name of Raheem Sterling was always likely to come up.

Chelsea have effectively banished Sterling from their first-team plans and want him to move on before the transfer deadline.

TBR Football understands that Sterling is currently expected to stay at Chelsea unless something materialises quickly.

Arsenal have been offered Sterling according to reports as Chelsea desperately try to find a suitor.

The Independent now claim that Arteta has a ‘strong relationship’ with Sterling off the back of their time together at Manchester City.

It’s stated that Arteta is a fan of Sterling’s personality and seriously feels that he can be a ‘good influence’ on the Arsenal squad.

Sterling’s history of winning trophy after trophy at Manchester City seemingly appeals to Arteta as he looks to win silverware this season.

The big issue here is wages; he earns around £325,000-a-week at Chelsea whereas Arsenal are only willing to offer around £150,000-a-week.

That would be a staggering drop for Sterling and it’s unclear whether he is willing to take that kind of pay cut.

How Sterling would fit in at Arsenal

Sterling has never really hit his best form since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022.

The wide man is electrifying at his best, able to shift through the gears, dance through defenders and supply the finishing touch inside the box.

Those days haven’t been quite as regular at Chelsea though and Arsenal would be looking for him to find his best form again – just as Kai Havertz has under Arteta.

Sterling’s versatility is surely a huge draw for Arsenal given his ability to play across the front line.

Sterling would predominantly want to play on the flanks, where can offer support to Bukayo Saka or come in ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli is struggling in the eyes of Gary Neville and has looked off-colour for a while now whilst Leandro Trossard’s best displays often come off the bench.

Sterling could even play as a makeshift striker if needed with Arteta surely attracted to his versatility to play in multiple attacking roles.

A deal before Friday’s deadline still seems a little difficult to pull off but Arteta is certainly a fan of what Sterling offers – both on and off the pitch.