Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steve McManaman believes Raheem Sterling should stay at Manchester City this forthcoming summer, despite ongoing links connecting him with a move to Arsenal.
Sterling, who will be aiming to help City wrap up the Premier League title when they face Aston Villa on the final day of the season on Sunday, has been closely linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months. The Blues' vast array of attacking talent means that none of Pep Guardiola's forward players are guaranteed starting berths every week, especially when he likes to alternate between them so often.
But the England international has played a key role in City's quest to retain their Premier League crown this term, scoring 13 goals and grabbing five assists in the league. He has, overall, chipped in with 17 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
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He remains a key part of Guardiola's plans and, as highlighted by his goals tally this season, is a player that brings huge amounts of quality to the table. And that is why Arsenal have been so heavily linked with his signature for almost the past 12 months, ahead of his City contract expiring at the end of next season.
However, McManaman has admitted that he cannot see the former Liverpool ace making the switch to the Emirates Stadium if they fail to secure Champions League football for next season. The Gunners have lost their last two games, meaning they are only with an outside chance of ending their Champions League exile.
"I can't see Raheem going to Arsenal if they're not in the Champions League and personally I believe he should stay at Manchester City," McManaman told HorseRacing.net. "He's brilliant at Manchester City, even though, admittedly, Pep Guardiola likes to chop and change.
"He should have a conversation with his manager to see where his future lies. Only three of a possible five or six Manchester City forwards can play every week, plus they've just acquired Erling Haaland, so players will miss out from time to time.
"As long as those players are happy though, and they know they're going to play a certain part and win trophies every single year, then that's the most important thing. I don't know Raheem's personal situation, or whether he's happy or unhappy, but if I was him then I'd stay because he's a really important player."
Sterling has gone from strength to strength under Guardiola's stewardship since the latter arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016. He has been outstanding over the last three seasons, scoring 62 goals and grabbing 30 assists since the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
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