Arteta responds to Raheem Sterling transfer question as Arsenal seek late deal

Mikel Arteta has insisted 'anything is possible' as Arsenal chase a late deadline day deal for Raheem Sterling, though refused to comment directly on the Chelsea star.

He said: "Let's see, it's always possible. In the last 24 hours of the transfer window, never rule out anything. I cannot talk about a player of another team."

Mirror Football understands that Sterling has been offered to the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta looking to add a wide attacking player to his squad before Friday's deadline. However, there has been a big push by Gunners chiefs in recent seasons to move away from older players on big deals.

Sterling is free to leave Chelsea, with boss Enzo Maresca having the former England international to depart. The 29-year-old has been made an outcast at the Blues, with Maresca banishing him from first-team training.

He has been linked with an exit ever since being left out of the squad for their opening day defeat to Manchester City. One of his suitors was thought to be Manchester United, though talks have petered out, with Arsenal now the frontrunners.

Sterling is thought to be keen on a move, with Maresca having made it clear he has no future at Stamford Bridge. Earlier this week, the Chelsea boss insisted the attacker needed to leave if he wanted to play this season.

"I prefer to be honest with players," he said. "The ones who are not involved are not going to be involved and they won't get any minutes if they stay. I don't know what happens when the window closes if they are still here.

"The ones who will get minutes are the ones I think can help us. Raheem is a fantastic guy who has trained very well. Every manager has a different idea and he is the kind of winger that is not one that I like.

"History and numbers speak for Raheem. He knows exactly what he needs to do. They are not going to get minutes. I have been clear and honest with them. I can say that this is not a mad club. Since I joined the club we are working in one direction. There is a clear direction where the club wants to go."

Arsenal have made three signings so far this summer, with Ricciardo Calafiori, David Raya and Mikel Merino joining the Gunners permanently. They are also expected to seal a deadline day loan move for Bournemouth keeper Neto to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who has been sold to Southampton.