Raheem Sterling is a free agent after leaving Chelsea - and his representatives have held talks with several clubs over a potential move.
Raheem Sterling has previously confessed to harbouring dreams of representing Arsenal, which he eventually did, while it could, potentially, complicate any transfer discussions with Tottenham Hotspur. The winger became a free agent following his departure from Chelsea earlier this week.
It means he is now eligible to join a new club, even beyond the January transfer window. Recent reports suggest that his representatives have already engaged in discussions with as many as seven clubs regarding his next deal.
The Sun reports that Tottenham are among those clubs. Spurs might hold an advantage, due to their geographical location, with Sterling having previously expressed a preference to remain in London.
However, it's now being suggested that the 31 year old is prepared to consider opportunities further away in a bid to revitalise his career. Napoli are among the other clubs reportedly expressing interest.
Sterling began his career in QPR's youth system before heading to Liverpool as a youngster. He has subsequently represented Man City and Chelsea.
Last season, he spent the entirety on loan at Arsenal. Discussing the decision to bring in the England international, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed how a telephone conversation with the player persuaded him and the club to pursue their interest.
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"The first call I had with him I knew in the first 10 seconds we had to bring him here because he really wanted it," Arteta said. "That was my only question mark; 'What stage is he at in his career'?
"After 10 seconds I knew already before the next questions that we needed him here. His first words were; 'I was dreaming about this call'. That's it. That tells you he really wants it - and was already thinking about the possibility and he could see himself here, delivering and enjoying his profession.
"When that happened, the rest I knew about him, so that blew all the question marks away."
Sterling's 'dream' of representing Arsenal is unlikely to sit well with Tottenham's supporters. The loan arrangement with Spurs' north London rivals saw him feature 28 times across all competitions, netting once and registering five assists.
Two of those outings came in Premier League encounters against Spurs, with his Arsenal debut arriving as a late substitute in Arsenal's victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2024.