Report: Arsenal set sights on ‘perfect’ £50m forward who Arteta ‘is in love’ with

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Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling ahead of a potential summer swoop.

According to Calciomercato.it – via TEAMtalk – the Gunners are monitoring the 27-year-old amid his uncertain future at the Etihad.

At present, Arsenal have two main options at left wing – Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe.

However, there have been rumours suggesting Mikel Arteta wants to turn Martinelli into a centre-forward.

Meanwhile, Smith Rowe is also expected to compete with – and cover for – Martin Odegaard at No. 10.

Therefore, there’s certainly scope for Arteta to bring a player who mostly plays on the left but can cover across the whole front line.

As for Sterling, his contract at City expires in the summer of 2023.

Talks over a new deal have been ongoing for some time, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached.

TEAMtalk reported last month that Pep Guardiola is growing increasingly concerned that Sterling will decline fresh terms.

In that case, City will have to cash in this summer if they want to get a decent amount of money for the England international.

“Arsenal would love to have him”

Links between Sterling and Arsenal have been going on for a while now.

In November last year, Fabrizio Romano told The Arsenal Lounge that Arteta thinks Sterling would be “perfect” for the Gunners.

“For Sterling, it is about the contract,” said the Italian. “Man City have been clear with him – extend the contract, or we will try to sell you in January or next summer.

“It’s true, Arsenal would love to have him. Mikel Arteta is in love, he is convinced he would be perfect. Man City want more than £50million.”

Although Sterling would be pricey, he’s a world-class player, proven in the Premier League, and at the peak of his career.

Certainly a decent shout for Arsenal.