- Real Madrid look to have the edge over Arsenal in this transfer battle
- Manchester City star Raheem Sterling says he would like to play abroad
- The England international also ruled out moving back to London
- READ MORE: Arsenal plot major double swoop, ex-£90m target on list to replace key duo
Arsenal look to have been dealt a major blow in their rumoured transfer pursuit of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who has ruled out moving to London.
The England international is in the form of his life this season, so it’s little surprise to see growing talk of interest from elsewhere, particularly following a mini-saga over the summer.
Late on in the transfer window, Sterling was linked as a target for Arsenal in a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez, with the Daily Mirror reporting that such a move could still be on in January.
City would not want to lose Sterling when he’s in this kind of form, with the 23-year-old bagging 13 goals already this season, more than he’s ever managed in a single campaign.
The Mirror also recently linked Sterling with Real Madrid amid his stalling talks over a new contract, and he’s now let slip he’d like to play in Spain at some point in his career.
MORE: Arsenal transfer news
‘I’m happy at Man City at the moment,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘But nobody knows what the future brings so one day, definitely, it would be nice to play abroad. It would be a great experience.
‘Spain’s attractive. Anywhere the weather is nice really! Can’t be in London. I can’t be near my friends. They got to stay down there.’
Being in London is usually a boost for clubs looking to attract big names, but on this occasion Arsenal’s location means they are unlikely to be able to land one of the players they’ve been linked with in attack.
Still, the Gunners may have alternatives in mind, with the Daily Star recently claiming talks were progressing on a deal to sign in-form Lyon star Nabil Fekir.