Arsenal dealt last-gasp transfer blow as Raheem Sterling deal in limbo

Arsenal have been dealt a significant deadline day blow in their bid to bolster their forward ranks, with Kingsley Coman reportedly set to remain with Bayern Munich.

The Gunners have splashed the cash so far this summer with the acquisitions of David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino. However, Mikel Arteta remains keen to welcome at least one more signing to his ranks.

Arsenal have been scouring the market for reinforcements out wide to provide an alternative option to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, and Coman’s availability became a hot topic at the Emirates Stadium.

The France international made it clear to Bayern that he wanted to leave the club by the end of this week, though he appears to have had a change of heart.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Coman has rejected all proposals and is set to stay at the Allianz Arena. Saudi side Al Hilal were pushing to acquire the services of the Frenchman but their lucrative offer was not enough to turn the head of the winger.

Arsenal were reportedly monitoring Coman’s situation closely and it remains to be seen how they react to the news.

Kingsley Coman has decided to stay at Bayern Munich (Image: Getty)

The Gunners’ interest in Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling could therefore intensify given that they have been offered the opportunity to acquire the services of the winger.

Enzo Maresca has made it no secret that the ex-Manchester City star does not have a future at the club and the higher powers at the Stamford Bridge are pushing to offload him as soon as possible.

It has been reported that Sterling has been offered to the Gunners and Arteta’s side are now deciding whether to take up the opportunity to sign the versatile forward. The former Liverpool ace would reportedly be keen to make the move to the Emirates, though finances are likely to be a sticking point in any negotiations.

The 29-year-old reportedly earns over £300,000 per week with the Blues, which is a salary that the Gunners are not willing to match. Thus, any possible deal is likely to rely on Chelsea contributing towards it. However, with time running out, the Blues could be accepting of a proposal of that nature given how insistent they are on parting ways with Sterling before the window slams shut.