Arsenal star could depart to allow sensational move for England star

Premier League clubs have already completed plenty of deals on deadline day, ahead of Friday’s 23:00 deadline. 

Arsenal have been linked with a number of players in the final hours of the window, including a sensational move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.

Now, it appears that a potential departure of a current Gunners player could free up space in Mikel Arteta’s squad for the England international.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Ipswich Town are in talks to sign Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, which could then allow Arsenal to sign Sterling from Chelsea.

The Italian journalist claims that the Tractor Boys are hoping to sign Nelson, who has been linked with a move away from The Emirates for much of the summer, on loan for the remainder of the current campaign.

If that deal does go through, Arsenal could then move to finalise a move for Sterling, 29.

Sterling could still make a sensational late move to Arsenal on Friday

Romano claims that the North London outfit have already reached an agreement with the player, who is keen on a move to The Emirates having been told by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca that he is not in his plans for the current campaign.

Despite Arsenal finding an agreement with Sterling, the Gunners have not yet reached an agreement with Chelsea.

Talks are ongoing but, with the window set to slam shut at 11pm on Friday, Arsenal are running out of time to reach an agreement and finalise what would be a sensational deal.

Sterling is contracted to Chelsea until the end of the 2026/27 season, but it appears increasingly likely that he will depart the club prior to that date having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

The England international joined the Blues from Premier League champions Manchester City in 2022, as one of Clearlake Capital’s first signings of their ownership.

He has since scored 19 goals in 81 games for the Blues across all competitions, but new head coach Maresca has made it clear that he will not be involved this term.