DEAL CONFIRMED: Raheem Sterling will join Arsenal instead of Manchester United, finalizing his departure from Chelsea before the transfer deadline. The winger is eager to team up with Mikel Arteta and make a difference at the Emirates.

Raheem Sterling is eager to join Arsenal rather than Manchester United as he seeks to leave Chelsea before the transfer window closes. The 29-year-old winger has been sidelined by Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, putting him at risk of being excluded from the club’s 25-man Premier League squad if he doesn’t secure a move.

Sterling is currently on a significant contract with Chelsea, earning around £325,000 per week with three years remaining. However, his exclusion from Maresca’s plans has fueled speculation about his future.

While several Premier League clubs have shown interest, most of the discussions have focused on Manchester United, with talks of a potential swap deal involving Jadon Sancho. Despite this, Sterling prefers a move to Arsenal.

According to sources, Sterling sees Arsenal as an “ideal scenario” due to their team dynamics and setup, which he believes would provide a smoother transition compared to Manchester United.

Additionally, staying in London with a move to the Emirates aligns with his personal preferences. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously worked with Sterling at Manchester City, is keen on the transfer. However, financial hurdles remain a significant challenge.

Arsenal’s potential offer is expected to be around £150,000 per week, which is significantly lower than Sterling’s current wages. As a result, Chelsea might need to contribute to his wages or settle part of his remaining salary to make the transfer possible. Meanwhile, Manchester United is also prepared to match Arsenal’s wage offer, making the situation competitive.

In addition to Sterling, Arsenal is exploring other attacking options. Arteta is also considering potential moves for Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, indicating the club’s intent to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes. These pursuits demonstrate Arsenal’s determination to bolster their attacking lineup for the upcoming season.

As the transfer deadline nears, Sterling’s future remains uncertain. However, his strong preference for a move to Arsenal could play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of this transfer saga. Whether he ends up at the Emirates or elsewhere, Sterling’s next move is one of the key stories to watch as the transfer window draws to a close.