Raheem Sterling has reportedly expressed no desire to join Arsenal this summer amid rumours linking him with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The winger has just over a year left on his current deal at Manchester City and could be available for potential suitors following Erling Haaland's switch to the Etihad Stadium this summer. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be both interested in the 27-year-old, who has scored 13 Premier League goals this season.
However, The Athletic report Sterling is not keen on a move to the Gunners despite working with Mikel Arteta during his time at City. The Arsenal boss was Pep Guardiola's assistant for three-and-a-half years, before going on to take the Gunners job in December 2019.
Meanwhile, it is also understood suggestions that Tottenham may be frontrunners because Sterling wants to play for Antonio Conte are denied by sources. The report claim Sterling's view of the Italian 'does not surpass total professional respect'.
Although it seems as though Sterling may not join either of the two north London clubs, he will discuss his future with City after the England camp in June. Gareth Southgate's side are set to face Italy, Germany and Hungary twice in four UEFA Nations League fixtures.
A new deal at City could be on the line but it depends if Sterling is 'central' to City's plans. He has started 23 of their 36 Premier League matches so far this term, often sharing minutes with Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez on the wing.
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Sterling has sometimes played as the 'false-nine' or as a no.9 this season with his pace and threat in behind useful to hurt opposing teams. He was used as the central striker in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool last month, but is more comfortable either on the left or right hand side.
The arrival of Haaland will leave one less space across the forward line which could drastically reduce Sterling's minutes. However, it has been reported Arsenal have submitted their first offer for Jesus as they look to bolster their attacking department at the end of the season.
Like Sterling, Jesus has not been able to string a regular run of starts together as Guardiola tends to rotate his pack, especially up front. Despite scoring five goals in his last four league matches, Jesus could be someone City sacrifice as they look to fit Haaland into the side.
This may mean Sterling stays at the club, although it could depend on whether Guardiola wants to add another attacker with Julian Alvarez set to arrive from River Plate for £15million this summer. During his time at the Citizens, Sterling has scored 131 goals in 338 appearances.
