Barcelona has apparently received a big boost in their pursuit of Raheem Sterling, with Manchester City reportedly refusing to sell him to Arsenal, according to reports.

According to a report by the Catalan newspaper El Nacional, Manchester City are considering the idea of negotiating a deal with Barcelona to acquire Raheem Sterling from Barcelona. Premier League rivals Arsenal are also interested in signing the English international, however, the Gunners are not considered a strong candidate for a deal by the Citizens of Manchester.

In the two years after he joined Manchester City from Liverpool in a highly publicised transfer deal, Raheem Sterling has made significant strides forward. The 26-year-old has developed into a player capable of generating world-class moments and winning games on his own and has become a pivotal figure for both club and country in recent years.

The Englishman, together with Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati, could form a formidable attacking unit

Sterling, on the other hand, has seen his status at Manchester City decline in recent months, despite the fact that he is continuing to improve at the international level. So far, the English international’s season in 2021/22 has been a disappointment, with only one goal and two assists in 14 games. However, this has not deterred potential suitors, with Barcelona and Arsenal among those who are interested in signing him.

The interest shown by Barcelona is understandable, particularly in light of the latest setback sustained by Sergio Aguero in his career. Barcelona will need to make at least one significant addition to their striking unit during the January transfer window, with the Argentine striker expected to be out for the remainder of the season.

Sterling is capable of playing through the centre. This would make the Catalan giants consider him as a very serious option for the long run. In theory, the Englishman, together with Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati, could form a formidable attacking unit, making Sterling a compelling alternative for Barcelona. Arsenal’s interest in the 26-year-old winger, on the other hand, is intriguing.

Manchester City, on the other hand, is wary of doing business with Arsenal

With Nicolas Pepe continuing to fluctuate between hot and cold this season, there is a feeling that Arsenal may benefit from more reinforcement for Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. That is where Sterling comes in, with the player having the potential to be a long-term answer for the Gunners in the wide positions.

Manchester City, on the other hand, is wary of doing business with Arsenal, yet they have no reservations about doing business with Barcelona. So, with the Blaugrana given a boost in their pursuit of the English ace, it remains to be seen if they will be able to sign him before the conclusion of the season or whether he will choose to join another club instead.

However, both the clubs are in desperate search of a wide attacker who can give them goals upfront when needed. With that being said, there is a lot of hope for the player. Barcelona may consider adding him to their squad sooner or later.