Mikel Arteta handed Arsenal transfer boost as ‘electric’ winger he loves is told to leave immediately

Arsenal could benefit from signing a winger this summer, and Mikel Arteta could now turn to a familiar face to help him out.

Arteta worked with a lot of world-class players during his time as Manchester City’s assistant coach before becoming Arsenal manager.

The Spaniard signed two players he previously worked with in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and there have also been links to another player Arteta coached in Leroy Sane.

Arsenal may be keen on a winger who can play on both sides, who can add speed in transition as well as covering for Bukayo Saka, and a surprise option has emerged in Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling.

The former Man City star could now leave Stamford Bridge after two difficult seasons, as there has now been a new development over his future.

Raheem Sterling told to leave Chelsea

It has now been reported by The Athletic that Sterling has been told to depart Chelsea, after a rift between the player and new manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea are enduring a summer of chaos, and Joao Felix and Pedro neto are among the players who have joined who are set to take Sterling’s place in the squad.

This means that with just over a week left in the transfer window, the winger needs to find himself a new club, and this could provide an opportunity for Arteta to reunite with Sterling.

Sterling was sensational in his time at Man City, scoring 131 goals and providing 73 assists in 339 games, and was also a key player for England in that time, with Gareth Southgate once describing him as “electric” after scoring a hattrick against Czech Republic.

Arsenal face problem over potential Raheem Sterling transfer

It now appears that Sterling will depart Chelsea permanently rather than on loan, and this represents a problem. If he was available on loan, Arteta could have repeated his decision to sign Kai Havertz with a risk-free acquisition of the 29-year-old, if Chelsea covered some of his wages.

Sterling is on a long-term contract with a wage of around £325k-a-week, placing him well above Arsenal’s highest earners. Chelsea may also demand a significant fee to sell him to Arsenal.

The winger would be a good rotation option, adding speed, experience and versatility, but the finances and his age and form all mean a deal is a huge risk. If his wages cannot be lowered, then Arsenal should avoid a deal for him.