Arsenal in talks with Chelsea over last-minute loan deal for Raheem Sterling but face a race against time with the 11pm deadline rapidly approaching

Arsenal are working hard to secure a loan deal for Raheem Sterling in the remaining few hours of the transfer window.

The Chelsea forward emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal on deadline day after being told he had no future at the Blues under Enzo Maresca.

Sterling – who has already played for fellow ‘Big Six’ sides Liverpool and Manchester City – is a member of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ and has not played a minute of first-team action this season.

Now the two clubs are in talks over a possible loan deal for the former England international and are trying to force a deal through before the window shuts, but time is running out ahead of the 11pm close.

However, there is still around a 50 per cent chance that he stays at Stamford Bridge beyond tonight’s transfer deadline.

Mikel Arteta could still bolster his squad with Sterling before the transfer window shuts

Sterling is at home on standby waiting for news. He will be presented with an option if and when Chelsea agree a deal with a potential suitor.

Personal terms with the 29-year-old would still need to be agreed, but that isn’t believed to be any issue with Sterling regarding Arsenal as his preferred choice given his excellent relationship with Mikel Arteta.

Manchester United had also been linked with Sterling in recent days but a move to Old Trafford now looks unlikely. 

Sterling previously worked with Arsenal manager Arteta when the Spaniard was part of Pep Guardiola‘s coaching staff at City.

The 82-time England international scored 131 goals in 339 appearances for City, having previously hit the net on 23 occasions during a 129-game Liverpool career.

Since joining Chelsea from City for a fee in the region of £50million in July 2022, Sterling has netted 19 goals in 81 matches for the Blues. 

Chelsea manager Maresca warned Sterling earlier…