Arsenal want to make serious waves in the transfer market this summer, it seems.
The Gunners are going through a transitional period under manager Mikel Arteta and it looks as if this will be the summer where serious changes take place off the pitch.
According to Eurosport, Arsenal have highlighted their ambition by making enquiries over the availability of both Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling at Manchester City.
Now it’s very easy to just write off this news as nonsense. But when you consider Sterling recently went public about how he was unhappy with his playing time at City last season, you see the potential path for an exit.
That potential path will only be widened if Manchester City were to sign Harry Kane this summer. Kane will likely cost in excess of £100million, and 26-year-old Sterling is valued at £81million.
Eurosport’s report goes on to say that Arsenal are trying to sign what level of player they can attract this summer. They say that it is unlikely either Mahrez or Sterling would want to join the Gunners.
For me, a move for Riyad Mahrez, 30, makes little sense for Arsenal. They have Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka for the right wing berth and Mahrez is now past his peak.
Sterling at 26, homegrown and with the ability to play from the left or through the middle, makes a lot more sense. Raheem was excellent under the guidance of Mikel Arteta and his form has dropped off at Manchester City since Mikel left the club.
Sterling has also praised Arsenal and Arteta publicly on a few occasions this season.
It’s a hugely ambitious move to bring Sterling to Arsenal, but if the opportunity does arrive for it to happen, it’s one Arsenal should seriously be considering.
If Arsenal want to break back into the top four of this league, this is the calibre of player they need to be bringing into the club. At the start of the month, Sterling was amongst my recommended signings for Arsenal to make this summer.