Break The Bank: Why Raheem Sterling/Riyad Mahrez swoops are essential

Raheem Sterling

Break The Bank: Why Raheem Sterling/Riyad Mahrez swoops are essential

By Josh Graham

Manchester City came just short of winning the Champions League and Pep Guardiola is set to refresh his squad with the aim of going one better after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the final. 

Reports suggest both England’s Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez have been placed on a ‘for-sale’ list with the club said to be willing to listen to offers for the dangerous widemen. 

And Arsenal are reported to be interested in both players as Mikel Arteta bids to transform his side from mid-table mediocrity to genuine top-four challengers.

Sterling or Mahrez could transform Arsenal’s fortunes


Never have Arteta’s three years as Guardiola’s No.2 at the Etihad looked more beneficial for Arsenal.

If the Spanish boss can land a marquee signing from the Premier League champions’ star-studded squad it would be a massive shot in the arm for Gunners fans still licking their wounds after the club failed to qualify for any form of European football for the first time in 25 years.

The competition for places at City is insane with the rise of Phil Foden intensifying the battle for a starting spot.

Not only the undoubted quality of both players but both their winning mentality and high standards would be invaluable additions to the Arsenal changing room. 

Arteta should surely write a blank cheque to land either player who he could then build a side around.

It could also be the perfect chance for Stan Kroenke and Co to get the fans back on side after the Super League debacle by making a statement signing.

Both bagged 14 goals for City in all competitions and would significantly ease the pressure on Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

They are the kind of players that could help Arsenal become the force of old again.

Arsenal is a hard sell for Sterling or Mahrez


You would think it might be rather difficult to sell a move to Arsenal to either player.

A few months back they were dreaming of the quadruple and although it was only to be two trophies it’s still some way ahead of the Gunners’ trajectory.

No European football is likely to be a turn-off and the wage bill will need some looking at, although offloading flop Willian would help, as this calibre of player does not come cheap.

Sterling is thought to be unsatisfied with his role under Guardiola but would the lure of a long-term project and being the star man be enough to trigger a shock switch?

The Arteta connection is the trump card Arsenal have but it will take some mega negotiating skill to pull either move off.

Arsenal must go all in


If there’s a chance to sign either player, then Arsenal must go all in. 

Mahrez at 30 might not be a long-term option but would give the club a massive injection of quality.

However, Sterling is still just 26 and could really shape the future and help Arsenal return to the glory days of the early 2000s. 

Time for Arteta to get to work.


Photo credit: Getty Images

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