Report: £49m England star has absolutely no desire to sign for Arsenal this summer

By Sam Preston

England international Raheem Sterling has no desire to join Arsenal amid uncertainty over his Manchester City future.

According to the Athletic, Sterling’s working relationship with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta during their time together at the Etihad Stadium counts for nothing when the transfer window opens next month.

Sterling is approaching the final 12 months of his contract, and it is not out of the question that he signs a new one.

Arsenal have been linked with a summer swoop for Sterling, while it was also reported this week that Tottenham are ahead in the chase for the Englishman.

Sterling has no desire to join Arsenal

Their report references both those claims, reading: “Sterling will wait until after England’s Nations League fixtures in June before holding negotiations and making a decision over his future. Sterling is moving towards the final 12 months of his existing contract.

“That has led to renewed speculation this week about a potential transfer away from the Etihad Stadium, with Arsenal and Tottenham the latest sides reported as possible destinations.

“But it is believed Sterling has not entertained any talks relating to his next step and, should he exit City, his long-held expectation is to join one of a small number of Europe’s most decorated teams. Despite having worked with Arteta wat City, Sterling has expressed no desire to follow him to the north London side.

“Suggestions that Spurs may be frontrunners because Sterling wants to play for Antonio Conte are denied by sources and it is said his view of the Italian does not surpass total professional respect. His commitment to City is known to be strong and this makes a fresh deal plausible.

“However, that is unlikely if it looks as though he will continue to be given a limited role in the most vital matches.
While formal conversations in regard to extending Sterling’s stay have yet to occur, there is no animosity in the relationship and all indications are that communication has been mature, amicable and honest.”

Sterling’s expiring contract in a year’s time makes it hard to accurately value the man who joined City in a deal worth a potential £49 million in July 2015, as per BBC Sport.

City are under no financial pressure to sell, but they have just signed Erling Haaland, and that means that someone like Sterling or Gabriel Jesus are likely to leave in the summer.

Which clubs is Sterling targeting when we talk about the most decorated among Europe’s elite? Real Madrid have their priorities elsewhere with Kylian Mbappe.

Barcelona’s financial situation means they are sniffing around any elite player with a dwindling contract, but are they really going to challenge for the biggest honours in the short term future?

Bayern Munich are always in and around it, and Sterling has seen Leroy Sane make the move from Manchester to Bavaria.

If not Arsenal or Spurs, then it seems unlikely Sterling would stay in England if he left City, given his history with Liverpool and the fact he has played for Manchester United’s two biggest rivals.