Premier League side to begin contract negotiations with Arsenal target ahead of January

According to reports, Premier League leaders Manchester City are preparing to begin contract negotiations with England star Raheem Sterling ahead of the winter transfer window when he had been linked as a possible transfer target for North London giant Arsenal.

The Daily Mirror reported earlier this campaign that a swap move involving Chilean Alexis Sanchez and winger Sterling could be done in January after initial enquiries over such a move in the summer.

However, Raheem Sterling has been in such good form this campaign that Sky Sports claim that the City player is set to earn himself a new deal at the Etihad.

The England international forward has been one of Manchester City’s best performers this season, netting some crucial goals to help the side eight points clear on the English Premier League table.

It now looks unlikely that manager Pep Guardiola would consider allowing Raheem Sterling go, even if it did boost the Citizen’s chances of finally signing Alexis Sanchez.

The Gunners may now wish they had concluded that swap deal in the summer, with the former Liverpool man looking like entering the peak years of his playing career, while the Chilean has struggled for form.

Raheem Sterling has scored 13 goals in 19 matches this campaign, his best-ever tally in a single league season and with plenty of time to spare.