Sterling may have ‘heart set’ on Arsenal move as pundit ‘wowed’ by journalist’s podcast reveal
Man City contract rebel Raheem Sterling may have his “heart set” on a move to Arsenal, according to Noel Whelan.
However, the former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed he would be “surprised” if the Citizens sanctioned a loan exit for the 26-year-old in January.
Sterling, who is contracted to Man City until 2023, has started just five of a possible 13 Premier League games this season.
According to journalist Ian McGarry, who was speaking on The Transfer Window Podcast (26 November) last Friday, the winger wants a loan exit in January after rejecting contract renewal talks.
McGarry also claimed a move to Arsenal is an “extremely attractive” prospect, with Sterling desperate to return to London.
The winger, who scored 10 league goals last term, has 72 caps for England.
Whelan insisted that Arsenal would “dearly love” to have Sterling at the Emirates Stadium.
“Wow, I’d be surprised if he went to Arsenal. City will not want to give them a helping hand towards that race for the top four and for the title,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Deals like that don’t happen often, but never say never.
“There were talks about him signing another deal at City but it seems like Sterling has got his heart set on leaving. There’s not much they can do about that.
“Arsenal would dearly love to have him, and I’m sure there will be a few foreign clubs who would love to have him.
“I think it’d be silly for City to let him go in January to a Premier League rival.”
Arsenal already boast a wealth of young English talent.
Academy products Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have dazzled this term.
In other news, Arsenal tipped to ‘cash in’ on big-money signing after Sky update.