Both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have been linked with moves away from Manchester City this summer.
The duo are out of contract in a little more than 12 months, and the Premier League champions may want to cash in on their assets rather than let them leave for free next year — if the players feel compelled to leave the Etihad. Arsenal are reportedly interested in the availability of Jesus while AC Milan are touted for a Sterling transfer.
The England international has not seen the game time he has been accustomed to this season while Jesus has, until recently, very much played a bit-part in Pep Guardiola’s plans. His four goals against Watford and an important strike against Real Madrid in the last few days may have changed that status, though.
READ MORE: Real Madrid instant reaction to Gabriel Jesus gives Man City what they wanted
Former title-winning City defender Micah Richards believes the Premier League champions should entrust in both Jesus and Sterling and reject the interest from elsewhere. He pointed to the players' versatility and work ethic as major benefits to Guardiola.
Writing in his BBC Sport column prior to Tuesday’s Champions League tie Real Madrid, he said: “Like Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling is out of contract in 2023. And, until either of them sign an extension, they are going to be linked with other clubs.
"Arsenal are supposedly in for Jesus and I read stories last week about Sterling going to AC Milan, but for me it’s simple – City have to try to keep them both if they can."
Richards added: “Both of them are versatile and hard-working, and can play on both wings or down the middle. They also don’t just know how to play in Pep Guardiola’s system, they excel at it.
“Game-time might be an issue in persuading Jesus to stay but I don’t think it’s the case that Sterling has slipped down the pecking order in recent months.”
