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

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Arsenal have enjoyed a fruitful summer on the transfer front, making two big signings and moving a number of fringe players on.

The Gunners have signed Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, as well as selling or loaning out several players including Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale.

Now, with transfer deadline day in full swing, Arsenal may well look to pull some more deals out of the hat, including one for a Premier League icon.

In recent days, the Gunners have been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.

Now, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has delivered his verdict on the prospect of the Gunners signing the England international.

READ MORE: Edu Gaspar reacts after Arsenal sell Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton on deadline day

Paul Merson ‘big fan’ of Raheem Sterling amid Arsenal talks

Merson also shared a potential advantage Arsenal may have in negotiations, namely that Chelsea are in real need of moving him on due to his wages.

“That’s their most important thing to do,” Merson said on Sky Sports News. “To get him out.

“They have thrown all their eggs in one basket saying he won’t get a minute.

“He’s on £350,000 a week, they are looking at bringing the wage bill down, that has to be their main priority.

“I am a big fan of Sterling. He likes football, plays football and always wants to play. He is one of those players who does get on the pitch.

“But what they have done and the way they have done it they will have to make sure this deal happens.

“Because if he’s sitting around for the next five or six months and he’s picking up 350 grand, that plan to get the wage bill down has completely gone out the window.”

What is the state of play involving Arsenal and Raheem Sterling?

Miguel Delaney reported at 12:42pm BST that Arsenal and Chelsea have spoken about a potential loan deal for Sterling.

This would allow both teams to push a deal through in order to get around some of the issues that pertain to a permanent departure.

However, it looks as though talks are just going on between clubs now, with the player not involved as of yet.

This is according to Ben Jacobs, who provided an update as of 2pm BST on the state of play, saying he expects the deal to go down to the wire.

Arsenal could certainly do with bringing in quality on the flanks over the next few hours.

And Sterling, with his world-class talent considerable experience at Premier League, Champions League and international level, would be a great shout.