Raheem Sterling says he would not join Arsenal. (AFP/Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling says he would not join Arsenal. (AFP/Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling admits he would not consider a move to Arsenal because his friends live in London.

The winger was heavily linked with a switch away from Manchester City in the summer as Pep Guardiola wanted Alexis Sanchez at the Etihad Stadium.

But Arsenal pulled the plug on Sanchez’s transfer to City on deadline day as they could not sign a replacement in time.

Guardiola, meanwhile, has insisted that he had no plans to let Sterling leave the club.

But while the 23-year-old admits he would consider a move to La Liga, he insists there is no chance of returning to a London club after being at QPR’s academy.

Sterling is open to a move to Spain in the future. (Getty Images)
Sterling is open to a move to Spain in the future. (Getty Images)

‘I’m happy at Man City,’ the England international told the Mail on Sunday.

‘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!’

When asked about the possibility of joining Arsenal, he replied: ‘Nah, can’t be in London. I can’t be near my friends.

‘They got to stay down there.’