Why Raheem Sterling is prioritising a move to Arsenal over big-money Saudi switch

If all goes well, Arsenal could be set to welcome one of the Premier League’s best players in recent years to the Emirates Stadium.

Over the past few hours, speculation has been intensifying regarding Arsenal and their pursuit of Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.

One of the latest reports, from Sky Sports News at 10:10pm BST, suggests that a deal is now “very close” between all parties.

“Sterling’s representatives and lawyers are involved in talks to ensure the winger completes his move to the Emirates before the 11pm deadline,” said Kaveh Solhekol.

Sterling was reportedly offered the chance to move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer, but he snubbed that and is now closing in on a switch to Chelsea’s rivals.

Raheem Sterling eager to get back into England picture

According to football.london, one of Sterling’s main ambitions is to get back within the England setup.

The outlet claims that the winger even turned down a move to Saudi Arabia because he believed that would be detrimental to his chances of achieving that.

Now, with a last-minute move to Arsenal, it looks like an ideal chance for Sterling to revive his season, said the report.

READ MORE: Paul Merson says what he really thinks of Raheem Sterling with Arsenal chasing last minute deal with Chelsea

Other Arsenal deals that could take place before transfer deadline

Arsenal are said to be in process of moving Reiss Nelson on, with Ipswich Town reportedly closing in on a move for the Hale End graduate.

The 24-year-old has been on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s first-team for a while now and, though he has provided some great contributions over the years, he’s unlikely to become a regular starter.

Earlier on Friday, Aaron Ramsdale completed his permanent move to Southampton for a reported initial fee of £18million, with potential add-ons taking it to £25million.