Raheem Sterling open to Arsenal talks as part of Manchester City’s move for Alexis Sánchez 
Raheem Sterling would consider talking to Arsenal if Manchester City offered him to the London club as part of their bid to prise Alexis Sánchez from the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal insisted this morning that they are yet to receive a bid from City — or any other club — for Sánchez despite reports Sterling had been offered for the forward in a cash-plus-player deal.
The Chilean striker did inform the club he wanted to leave earlier this summer, however, and is determined to seal his exit before the transfer window shuts on Thursday night, with City his preferred choice.
Sánchez worked under Guardiola at Barcelona and is keen to be reunited with the Catalan, who feels the 28-year-old would add more potency to an attack that keeps failing to convert its chances.
Last season, the City head coach complained about his team’s profligacy, and that problem has not been rectified this summer, with Guardiola’s side spurning numerous chances in their opening three matches, from which they have garnered seven points.
Sterling snatched victory for City in the 97th minute of their match against Bournemouth on Saturday. It was the first time the England international had started a game this season.
It is understood that Sterling is concerned that he may be marginalised by Guardiola this season, which could impact on the player’s chances of playing for England at the World Cup. Guardiola bought Bernardo Silva, the attacking midfielder, from Monaco for £43 million this summer. The former Barcelona coach has a fondness for Leroy Sané, who he signed from Schalke last summer for £37 million and Gabriel Jesus, the 20-year-old forward. Guardiola also has Sergio Agüero, who scored 33 goals in all competition last season.
With so many players available to Guardiola, it is hard to see how Sterling fits into City’s first-team plans, even though he is the club’s top scorer so far this season with two goals.
Given that situation, Sterling, 22, is understood to be watching developments with interest and is willing to talk to Arsenal if they agree on some kind of swap deal involving City and Sánchez. Sterling, who hails from northwest London, has three years left on his contract at City. He joined the club from Liverpool for £49 million in the summer of 2015. Although he was not installed as manager until the following year, it is understood that Guardiola consented to the purchase of Sterling at the time.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/raheem-sterling-open-to-arsenal-talks-as-part-of-manchester-citys-move-for-alexis-sanchez-xc6sbcdzl
