Steve McManaman tells Raheem Sterling to stay at Man City amid Arsenal links

Steve McManaman has urged Raheem Sterling to stay at Manchester City this summer after he was linked with a move to Arsenal.

Sterling, 27, has been in and out of City’s team this season as Pep Guardiola has sought to bed in new signing Jack Grealish on the left-wing.

The forward is out of contract next summer and reports suggests he is a target for the Gunners who are looking to sign at least two attacking players to increase their goal threat next season.

However, McManaman, the former City player, believes Sterling is still an ‘important player’ at the Etihad and would be wrong to move to the Emirates.

Speaking to HorseRacing.net, he said: ‘I can’t see Raheem going to Arsenal if they’re not in the Champions League and personally I believe he should stay at Manchester City. He’s brilliant at Manchester City, even though admittedly Pep Guardiola likes to chop and change.

‘He should have a conversation with his manager to see where his future lies. Only three of a possible five or six Manchester City forwards can play every week, plus they’ve just acquired Erling Haaland, so players will miss out from time to time.

‘As long as those players are happy though and they know they’re going to play a certain part and win trophies every single year, then that’s the most important thing. I don’t know Raheem’s personal situation, or whether he’s happy or unhappy, but if I was him then I’d stay because he’s a really important player.’

Sterling could be interested in a move back to London bHowever, with Arsenal likely to miss out on Champions League football next season, Mikel Arteta could be pipped by rivals Tottenham who are also thought to be interested in his signature.

Since moving to City from Liverpool in 2015, Sterling