Raheem Sterling has 'transfer preference' as Man Utd and Arsenal circle

Raheem Sterling has been exiled by Chelsea (Image: Getty)

Chelsea star Raheem Sterling would reportedly favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United if he is given the choice.

The winger is expected to leave the Blues before the transfer window closes tonight, with Enzo Maresca publicly putting him in the shop window at Stamford Bridge and insisting that he should find a new club.

Several clubs have come forward to enquire about the availability of Sterling, though his reported wages of over £300,000 per week has prevented sides from making concrete approaches.

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United have Sterling in their sights though and have discussed a potential swap deal with Chelsea involving Jadon Sancho, who has admirers at Stamford Bridge.

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However, GiveMeSport report that the ex-Liverpool forward has also been offered to Arsenal, a club he would be keen to join if the opportunity arises.

A move to the Emirates Stadium is viewed as the ‘ideal scenario’ by the winger and he would prefer to join Arsenal over United. He would therefore be able to remain in London, which is a factor that has come into the thinking of Sterling.

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Jadon Sancho could join Chelsea as part of a swap deal involving Sterling (Image: Getty)

The 29-year-old also believes that Arsenal’s current ‘set-up and team status’ would help him get his career back on track after a disappointing spell at Chelsea, though a move to Old Trafford remains a concrete possibility despite his reported preference.

A deal between the Blues and the Gunners is not advanced at this stage as the Blues would need to agree to contribute to the forward’s wages in order to facilitate his exit. Arsenal have ruled that they will not pay him more than £150,000 per week. United are similarly not willing to pay Sterling’s wages in full.

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Enzo Maresca has made it clear that Sterling does not feature in his plans (Image: Getty) READ MORE Ivan Toney joins as INEOS land top target - Man Utd's dream deadline day

Mikel Arteta worked closely with Sterling whilst a coach at Manchester City, and the Spaniard is keen to bolster his forward ranks on deadline day. Following the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori, David Raya and Mikel Merino, the Gunners are hoping to sign a second-choice goalkeeper and a versatile forward before the transfer window closes.

Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman is also an option that is reportedly being explored by the Gunners as he is keen to leave the Bundesliga outfit. The Frenchman has suitors around Europe, as well as in the Saudi Pro League.

Raheem Sterling has 'transfer preference' as Man Utd and Arsenal circle

Raheem Sterling has 'transfer preference' as Man Utd and Arsenal circle

Raheem Sterling has 'transfer preference' as Man Utd and Arsenal circle

Raheem Sterling has 'transfer preference' as Man Utd and Arsenal circle

Raheem Sterling has 'transfer preference' as Man Utd and Arsenal circle