Mikel Arteta breaks silence on shock Raheem Sterling transfer

Arteta said: “Let’s see, it’s always possible. In the last 24 hours of the transfer window, never rule out anything. I cannot talk about a player of another team.”

In recent seasons, Arsenal’s leadership has made a strong effort to distance the club from signing older players on expensive contracts.

Sterling is available to leave Chelsea, with manager Enzo Maresca encouraging the former England international to find a new club.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined at Chelsea, with Maresca excluding him from first-team training.

Since being omitted from the squad for their opening day loss to Manchester City, Sterling has been linked with a transfer.

Manchester United was initially considered a potential destination, but talks have fizzled out, leaving Arsenal as the leading contender.

Sterling appears eager to make the move, as Maresca has made it clear that he has no future at Stamford Bridge. Earlier this week, the Chelsea manager emphasized that the forward must leave if he wants to play this season.

“I prefer to be honest with players,” he said. “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.

“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.”

Arsenal have made three signings thus far this summer, with Ricciardo Calafiori, David Raya and Mikel Merino joining the club permanently.