Sterling is given the green light to exit Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca encouraging the England international to make a move. The 29-year-old has been sidelined at the Blues, with Maresca excluding him from first-team training.
Ever since he was omitted from the squad for their opening day loss to Manchester City, rumours of his departure have been swirling. Manchester United was believed to be one of his potential suitors, although discussions have fizzled out.
Now it seems that Arsenal could be his next stop. The Mirror reports that Sterling has been proposed to the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta keen to bring in a wide attacking player to his team before Friday's deadline.
However, there's been a significant shift by the Gunners' top brass in recent seasons to steer clear of older players with hefty contracts. They're playing their cards close to their chest regarding whether they'll make a move for Sterling on deadline day, while keeping an eye on several other targets, reports the Mirror.
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Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has three challenges surrounding Raheem Sterling's move (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Independent suggests there are three additional obstacles to Sterling's move across London.
The winger is eager for a transfer, but Arsenal are insisting that Chelsea will have to cover part of his contract and his wages. The Gunners are only prepared to make a move for a back-up option to Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal are tightening the purse strings, with their eyes on a player to lighten Saka's load without breaking the bank. They're not keen on splashing out for Sterling, hitting the first snag.
Raheem Sterling's move could ease the load on Bukayo Saka (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Sterling's hefty £325,000-a-week Chelsea paycheck is the second hurdle, as Arsenal won't cough up more than £150,000 weekly. Sterling would need to take a hefty pay cut to squeeze into Arsenal's salary cap.
The third hiccup is tied to the first two, with any potential deal hinging on Sterling ironing out his contract kinks with Chelsea. Arteta may rate Sterling, but Maresca isn't impressed, bluntly stating that Sterling won't see game time under his watch.
"I prefer to be honest with players," he declared. "The ones who are not involved are not going to be involved and they won't get any minutes if they stay. I don't know what happens when the window closes if they are still here.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling won't arrive on the cheap (Image: Getty Images)
"The ones who will get minutes are the ones I think can help us. Raheem is a fantastic guy who has trained very well. Every manager has a different idea and he is the kind of winger that is not one that I like.
"History and numbers speak for Raheem. He knows exactly what he needs to do. They are not going to get minutes. I have been clear and honest with them. I can say that this is not a mad club. Since I joined the club we are working in one direction. There is a clear direction where the club wants to go."
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