Mikel Arteta Reacts To Raheem Sterling’s Links To Arsenal Ahead Of Chelsea Exit

• Raheem Sterling is set to leave Chelsea this summer after just two years at Stamford Bridge
• The England star was left out of Chelsea's squad last weekend, and Blues boss Enzo Maresca confirmed that he is free to leave
• He has been linked with a move to Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta spoke about his relationship with the winger

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca recently said the England international will struggle to get into his team, days after he was left out of the squad for the opening game of the season.

Gunners coach Mikel Arteta responded to rumours of Sterling getting linked to his team.

Maresca confirmed that the former Manchester City winger would be departing the club after he omitted him from his squad against Man City.

“I spoke with Raheem [Sterling] before Manchester City, I said that he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. With Chilly [Chilwell] I said he is a lovely guy, but with his position, he’s going to struggle with us. It’s not brutal, it’s honest," he said via The Independent.

The winger scored 19 goals in two seasons with the Blues. He has bagged 123 Premier League goals in 379 games.

He worked with Arteta for three years when he was a Man City player, and they enjoyed Premier League success together.

Arteta on Raheem Sterling

The Arsenal manager revisited his time at Man City with Sterling.

"My time with him was exceptional," the Arsenal boss said via 90min. "I think we built a really strong relationship together. He's someone that I really have strong feelings about."

The former Everton midfielder stressed that they must be prepared to make a move, especially since the transfer window closes soon.

"We have to [be ready to move], because anything can happen both ways, especially in the last week. You have to be ready, especially in the last week."

Arsenal fans have welcomed the idea of signing Sterling, adding that he could be used as a backup to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Which Arsenal players need to improve?

TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Arsenal legend Ian Wright has named three Gunners players who will have to step up this season.

The retired striker said Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson need to improve to give Arsenal a chance to win the title.