Pain in the Arsenal
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3 reasons why Arsenal should make a move for Raheem Sterling

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) gestures on the touchline as Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling (R) looks on during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by John Walton / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JOHN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) gestures on the touchline as Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling (R) looks on during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by John Walton / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JOHN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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3. Bargain price

Chelsea are leading the race for the England international. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Chelsea are leading the race for the England international. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

I know he’s entering the final year of his contract, but £35m is an absolute bargain for Raheem Sterling. Especially when you consider that City are demanding £50m for the inferiorly gifted Gabriel Jesus, who’s also got just one year left on his current City deal.

Sterling may have some ball-striking issues, hence why his xG has outscored his actual output in two of the last three Premier League seasons, but, otherwise, it’s incredibly tough to fault the winger’s game.

He can play off both flanks, receive in front or behind a defence, is destructive in transition, can isolate markers one-vs-one, etc, etc. Sterling’s an elite winger, there are no two ways about it.

So, for £35m, I’m amazed that Arsenal, who were said to be interested in the player last year, haven’t made a move. The club are targeting a player of Sterling’s ilk, but are currently prioritising a move for Leeds’ Raphinha, who could cost the club considerably more than what Chelsea end up paying for the City star.

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