Raheem Sterling transfer twist as Manchester United stance emerges amid Arsenal interest

Arsenal have emerged as the likeliest destination for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling.

Manchester United held exporatory discussions with Chelsea about Sterling on Tuesday regarding a potential swap involving Jadon Sancho but well-placed sources say such a deal is now unlikely to materialise.

United sources told the Manchester Evening News on Thursday a move for Sterling was "unlikely". Discussions regarding Sterling have so far involved only interested clubs that the winger has not been privy to. A source has said there is as much chance that Sterling could stay at Chelsea as move to Arsenal.

United have been wary of entering negotiations for a deal to sign Sterling as it could harm their profitability and sustainability (PSR) calculations. Sterling is on a £325,000 weekly salary at Chelsea while Sancho earns around £250,000-a-week, which will have reduced following United's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

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United have stressed they would only be prepared to do deals that would aid their PSR standing for next year. United also have two wingers on the right and left-hand sides, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount auxiliary options on the right.

Sterling, 30, has been banished from the Chelsea squad and stripped of his squad number after he was left out of their squad for the opening weekend defeat to Manchester City. The winger's representatives released a statement on his behalf shortly before kick-off seeking "clarity" on his role under new coach Enzo Maresca. Sterling is under contract at Chelsea until 2027 while Sancho's United deal expires in 2026.

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