Former goalkeeper David James has insisted that Raheem Sterling should stay at Manchester City this summer and resist any temptation he may have to leave the club.
The winger is being heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium ahead of the transfer window officially opening later this month. Sterling is out of contract at City next summer, so the upcoming window could mark the club's last chance to sell him for a respectable fee.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with his signature over the last few months, and now Chelsea and Real Madrid are being credited with interest in him. Speculation concerning his future looks set to dominate the headlines over the coming weeks.
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However, former City shot-stopper James, who represented the club between 2004 and 2006, has sent the England international a piece of advice, amounting to just three words. He believes it is in his best interests to stay where he is.
James, speaking to GG Recon, stressed: "Stay at City!"
Speculation about Sterling's future has extended from fears that has game-time could become more limited next season. City have already bolstered their attacking options with the signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, meaning Pep Guardiola will be forced to tinker with his front-three in a bid to keep everyone happy.
The Catalan has the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Sterling who are all capable of playing out wide. Sterling made 47 appearances for City this term in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and grabbing nine assists.
And for James, he believes Sterling should stay at the club because opportunities will remain forthcoming, as will the chances to win silverware.
"You're going to have an opportunity to win trophies," James added. "He gets the game time as one of those 24, 25 league appearance players."
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