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Arsenal fully aware of Raheem Sterling situation, remains to be seen if they actively pursue his services before transfer deadline

Arsenal are fully aware of the situation of out-of-favour Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling, according to the Daily Mail.

However, they were not actively pursuing a deal for the England international over the weekend and it remains to be seen if they change their stance ahead of the summer transfer window deadline on Friday night.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Sterling, and he could do with such a player in his bid to strengthen his attacking ranks, but getting a deal done could prove tricky due to financial reasons.

“My time with Raheem was exceptional,” the Gunners boss said last Friday.

“We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.”

The 29-year-old won four Premier League titles with Manchester City before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022, but he is out of favour under new Blues manager Enzo Maresca and has been told to move on having been stripped of his No 7 shirt and excluded from all the matchday squads so far this season.

Arsenal are looking to sign a versatile forward, and Sterling fits the bill as he can play on both wings, as a number 9 and behind a striker.

The former Liverpool star has 123 goals and 62 assists in 379 Premier League appearances, and such an experienced forward could help make the Gunners better in the final third.

However, his salary, which is significantly north of £300,000 per week, could be a stumbling block for Arsenal.

It is unknown whether Sterling is prepared to take a large pay cut to leave Chelsea, but reuniting with Arteta could be hugely beneficial for both parties.

Arteta spent three years as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Man City before leaving in 2019, winning five major trophies with Sterling during their time together, and he could be the missing piece in the attacking third as Arsenal look to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

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