Raheem Sterling appears to be available for Arsenal to sign before the transfer deadline, but Mikel Arteta dismissed rumours that he would do so this week.

Merely a few days after Mikel Arteta declared he would not sign the Chelsea winger, Arsenal is reportedly considering making a deadline-day raid for Raheem Sterling.

Enzo Maresca has shut out 29-year-old Sterling, confirming that he will not play for the Blues going forward after the player was judged surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

The Emirates has surfaced as a possible destination for the former Manchester City and Liverpool player, who is currently looking for a new club before Friday night’s transfer deadline.

This is in line with a report from The Independent, who state that Arsenal, who are looking to add an attacker, have been “offered” the opportunity to sign both Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich and the 82-cap England player.

Arteta has made no secret of his admiration for a player he worked closely with during his time at Manchester City, despite the fact that it has been stated that a deal to bring Sterling to North London would be anything but simple. However, in the same press conference, he flatly shot down suggestions he would sign Sterling.

When Arteta spoke last week, he was questioned about Sterling’s circumstances at Chelsea and whether or not he would sign the winger. “No, but I can talk about my time with Raheem,” was the Spaniard’s reply. The time I spent with Raheem was remarkable. Together, we built a very solid relationship. When we were together, he was incredible.

He also gave me a lot of insight into people, their thought processes, and the ways in which we might help them. I feel a great deal of emotion towards him.

Although it’s unclear if Arteta will follow through on his promise to help Sterling escape his nightmare at Stamford Bridge, Maresca reiterated that if Chelsea is unable to find a new home this week, neither Sterling nor any of the other players who are out of favour will play.

When asked if Sterling would be moving, the Italian said, “We’ll see.” I’d rather be straight with the players, and that’s precisely what I’ve done with Raheem.

“Those who choose not to participate will not participate, and should they choose to stay, they will not receive any minutes.