Arsenal have emerged as the most likely destination for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling ahead of transfer deadline day.
Manchester United had exploratory discussions with Chelsea on Tuesday about a potential swap involving Jadon Sancho.
However, according to reports, such a deal is now unlikely to materialize.
Manchester Evening News claims that a move for Sterling was considered “unlikely.”
Discussions about Sterling have so far only involved interested clubs that the winger has not been aware of.
The report further stated that there is as much chance of Sterling staying at Chelsea as there is of him moving to Arsenal.
United have been cautious about entering negotiations for Sterling, as it could impact their profitability and sustainability (PSR) calculations.
Sterling is on a £325,000 weekly salary at Chelsea, while Sancho earns around £250,000 per week, which has decreased following United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
United have emphasized that they would only pursue deals that would positively impact their PSR standing for the upcoming year.
Additionally, United already have two wingers on both the right and left flanks, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as auxiliary options on the right.
Sterling has been excluded from the Chelsea squad and stripped of his squad number after being left out of their squad for the opening weekend’s defeat to Manchester City.
Sterling’s representatives issued a statement shortly before the match seeking “clarity” on his role under new coach Enzo Maresca.
The 29-year-old is under contract with Chelsea until 2027, while Sancho’s United deal expires in 2026.
Ugarte arrived in Manchester on Tuesday night and has been at United’s Carrington training complex to undergo a medical and film material for his signing announcement.
United must register Ugarte by noon on Friday for him to be available for the Liverpool match.
United have agreed on an initial fee of £42.3 million for Ugarte, potentially rising to £50.8 million.
The transfer window closes at 11 p.m. on Friday, and both Ugarte’s arrival and Scott McTominay’s departure to Napoli are on track. McTominay arrived in Naples on Thursday.
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