Arsenal are still interested in signing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, reports the Mail on Sunday.
Reports before deadline day suggested City would use Sterling as bait in their attempts to sign Alexis Sanchez.
City’s move for Alexis fell through on the final day of the summer transfer window, though Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to firm up their interest in the Chilean in January.
The Gunners are still keen on Sterling, however, and could make a move for the England international when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.
Guardiola vetoed any potential swap deal involving Sterling and Alexis, but his stance could soften in January with the Gunners willing to bring the 22-year-old back to London.
It’s unlikely that Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Sterling won’t be affected by reports linking the north London side for a January move for Thomas Lemar.
Arsene Wenger is confident he can lure the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium in January, even if it would take a club-record £90m bid for Monaco to sell the Frenchman.