'I've heard...' - Expert: Arsenal concerned about Raheem Sterling behind the scenes

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has not been impressed with Raheem Sterling amid growing concerns about his performances in training.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that some behind the scenes at Arsenal have raised concerns about his level.

Sterling was unable to play for the Gunners against Chelsea due to the Premier League’s loan rules, but was left on the bench in defeats to Inter Milan and Newcastle, and the draw with Liverpool.

The 29-year-old’s only appearance for Arsenal in their last five games came in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Preston North End, where he played 90 minutes.

Now, Brown has insisted that the manager’s high expectations and demands of his players are the likely explanation for Sterling’s lack of appearances.

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Since making the move to North London in the summer, the winger has made just eight appearances across all competitions, with only four starts.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience working with players at the top level including over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, questioned why Sterling has been given such little playing time despite Arsenal’s struggles.

“I know there are some concerns about him,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s an interesting one with Sterling, because they bailed him out of Chelsea when he was set to be cut adrift from the squad there.

“Getting him on loan was seen as a real coup because Chelsea are still paying most of his wages.

“But when they’re looking for results he doesn’t come on.

“That points to some clear issues behind the scenes, and I’ve heard his training might not be completely up to scratch.

“We know Arteta demands a certain level from his players and isn’t scared to leave them out if they aren’t meeting his expectations.

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“I think it’s a pretty damning sign that, even with their injuries and issues up front, he’s hardly played aside from cup games.

“They’ve been in need of a consistent winger and he still can’t get a game at the moment.”