Arsenal Consider Last-Minute Deal if Chelsea Agree to One Condition

As the transfer window nears its close, Arsenal are considering a last-minute move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.

The club is keen on bolstering their attacking options, but their pursuit of the 29-year-old winger hinges on one critical condition: Chelsea must resolve Sterling’s contract and wage issues.

Sterling’s Situation at Chelsea

Raheem Sterling, who has been informed he won’t feature under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, is open to a move away from Stamford Bridge.

However, any deal would require Chelsea to settle a significant portion of his contract, as the winger currently earns £325,000 a week.

Arsenal, known for their structured wage system, are unwilling to offer more than £150,000 per week, meaning Sterling would have to accept a substantial pay cut to join the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has a strong relationship with Sterling from their time together at Manchester City, where Arteta was an assistant coach.

Arteta appreciates Sterling’s winning mentality and believes he could be a valuable addition to the squad, particularly given the similarities between Arsenal’s tactical approach and that of City.

Arsenal Willing to Finalise a Deal for Sterling

While Arsenal are exploring the possibility of bringing Sterling to the Emirates, their willingness to finalize the deal is contingent on Chelsea’s cooperation.

The club is reluctant to pay a transfer fee for the player, which adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Sterling’s contract situation with Chelsea remains a significant hurdle.

Arsenal are also considering alternatives, including Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, who has been offered to several top European clubs as Bayern looks to reduce their wage bill.

The Gunners have been weighing up their options, aware that the final days of the transfer window could present unexpected opportunities.

The Need for Depth in Attack

The primary motivation for Arsenal’s interest in Sterling is the need to ease the burden on Bukayo Saka, who has been heavily relied upon in a packed schedule.

With the upcoming international break followed by a demanding run of fixtures, Arteta is eager to add more depth to his attacking options.

Although Nico Williams was initially the top target, his desire to stay in Spain and pursue a long-term ambition of joining Barcelona has led Arsenal to explore other, more budget-friendly options.

As the clock ticks down, Arsenal’s late push for Sterling represents their ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad while navigating financial constraints.

Whether or not a deal materializes will depend largely on Chelsea’s willingness to facilitate the move and Sterling’s acceptance of a reduced wage package.