Mikel Arteta has spoken of the strong relationship he has with Raheem Sterling but insists he will not try to bring the winger to Arsenal.
Sterling was not informed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca that he did not figure in the Italian’s plans on the eve of the new Premier League season.
And after Maresca revealed that the 29-year-old was no longer training with the first-team in on Wednesday, the former Manchester City star is expected to move before next week’s transfer deadline.
Arsenal are believed to be in the market for attacking reinforcements and Arteta knows Sterling well from their time together at The Etihad.
While Arteta dismissed any suggestion of trying to sign Sterling, he did talk up their bond.
“My time with Raheem was exceptional,” Arteta said on Friday (via The Mirror). “We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together.
“He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how they, players think, how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.”
