EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal told BARGAIN Sterling price as Arteta scours Europe for Saka cover

Arsenal have been offered the opportunity to sign loan attacker Raheem Sterling on a permanent basis by Chelsea – with the Blues even ready to give their neighbours the attacker for below his transfer value, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.

Sterling started the Gunners’ 2-0 Premier League defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday following an injury to Bukayo Saka but was sacrificed before half-time as Mikel Arteta reshaped his side in response to William Saliba’s red card.

It was the 29-year-old’s second successive start in England’s top-flight, but fans were left cool by his performance, which offered the Gunners little in the 37 minutes he played.

Nevertheless, Arsenal are weighing up the opportunity of signing Sterling from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

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Arsenal ready for tough Sterling talks

According to sources, the Blues want to sell the England international for a fee of around €30 million (£25m), but Arsenal value the winger at €18m (£15m), which could lead to tough negotiations.

Sterling’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), meanwhile, sits at €46.1m – suggesting there is a bargain to be had.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that Sterling does not fit into his plans, stating his preference for a different type of winger. Maresca has also made it clear that players not involved in his system, including Sterling, will not receive any game time if they remain at the club. This situation opens the door for Arsenal to potentially negotiate a lower fee should they decide to pursue a permanent deal for the 29-year-old forward.

While Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Sterling, there are no guarantees that the North London club will follow through with a full-time transfer.

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Sources suggest that Arsenal are actively scouting other wide players across Europe to provide long-term competition and support for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. Sterling’s quiet start to his loan spell, having failed to register a goal or assist in his first four Premier League games, may also play into Arteta’s decision-making process.

Sterling, who will turn 30 in December, remains contracted to Chelsea until 2027. During his loan at Arsenal, the Gunners are covering 30% of his weekly wages, equating to £97,500 out of his £325,000 salary. Whether Arsenal will be willing to take on his full wage package or negotiate a more favourable deal remains to be seen.

With Arsenal still weighing up their options and keeping an eye on the transfer market, Sterling’s future remains uncertain. As of now, no final decision has been made regarding his long-term status at the Emirates Stadium.