Arteta, Guardiola, And Glasner Respond To Raheem Sterling Transfer Links

Arsenal has been reported to be interested in Raheem Sterling, who is one of many not included in manager Enzo Maresca’s plans at Chelsea.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, hasn’t ruled out “surprises” at the end of the summer transfer window as the Gunners prepare themselves to jump at an opportunity if it arrives.

“We have to [be ready to move] because anything can happen both ways, especially in the last week. You have to be ready, especially in the last week, and be prepared because a lot of surprises can come for many different reasons…and we are prepared,” Arteta said via Arsenal.com.

“Everybody will be in a different position. We knew what we wanted to do, what we could do, as well which is important, and we have to put those two things together at the end.”

Arteta brings the advantage of having previously worked with Sterling during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, giving him a deeper understanding of the former England winger than many others.

Raheem Sterling and Mikel Arteta during his time as Guardiola’s assistant

“My time with him was exceptional,” the Arsenal boss explained.

“I think we built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we worked together and he taught me a lot as well about individuals and how players think, how we give them support and help them. He’s someone that I have strong feelings about.”

Arsenal aren’t the only Premier League side linked with an opportunistic Sterling swoop, although Guardiola has played down the possibility of Manchester City launching a bid without ruling it out.

Raheem Sterling and Pep Guardiola during their time together in Manchester City

“He is a Chelsea player. So I just wish him all the best. If you ask me this question when Gundo was in Barcelona, the answer is the same,” Guardiola said, referencing City’s unexpected reunion with Ilkay Gundogan in recent days.

Crystal Palace is a more left-field suggestion for Sterling but, again, it has been downplayed.

“Raheem Sterling is a fantastic player, but it doesn’t mean he will be a Crystal Palace player. He’s a great player but I don’t know what will happen with him,” Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said.

Sterling has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances over two seasons with Chelsea.

During his earlier stints at Liverpool and Manchester City, beginning at the age of 17, he has found the net 123 times in 379 Premier League matches throughout his career to date.