Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan Rumours

Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph believes "there is a sneaking sense" that Liverpool "might be willing to sell" Raheem Sterling, should Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger produce the right offer this summer. In fact, Burt believes the Gunners "should make up their minds for them" with a megabid.  

Burt is of the opinion that the Gunners must spend big to make good on their increasing promise. Although the side's 10-game unbeaten run was ended by Swansea City on Monday, Wenger's men have often shown an increased ruthlessness and an ability to win tough matches away from home this season. Arsenal are three points off second-place Manchester City having played a game fewer.

Wenger continues to be linked with a move for Sterling, as reported by Burt, who wonders if the north London side can tempt Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to sell if Theo Walcott is included in the deal: 

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Bidding for Sterling might elicit the same response from Liverpool’s principal owner, John W Henry, as Arsenal’s attempt to sign (Luis) Suarez—"What do you think they’re smoking over there at the Emirates?"—but it might not.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers likes Walcott—who is still only 26—and it is a deal that could work for all parties. For all Liverpool’s protestations there is a sneaking sense that they might be willing to sell Sterling if the terms are right. Arsenal should make up their minds for them.

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Wenger's side remain a couple of top-class players short of challenging for the title. Sterling has posted a wildly varying campaign—he is a match-winner some days, a liability in front of goal on others—but his potential is clear. With seven goals and seven assists in 34 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com, the 20-year-old is only destined to get better.

Rodgers is a suitable manager to oversee Sterling's development, as he's more than willing to give the youngster responsibility. Wenger has proven the same over the years, but he isn't one to give up on players he has signed, as seen with Aaron Ramsey. As such, Walcott's sale appears unlikely.

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Gundogan Hopes Raised

Wenger may be interested to hear the latest comments from Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, who told Reuters (h/t Inside Futbol) that at least two players will leave the Westfalenstadion in the summer: "Last year one player left (Robert Lewandowski), this year it is probably two. Everything else is still open. So yes, there will be change but not a complete overhaul of the team. As for any of the other cases, I will not talk about names."

Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is confirmed to be leaving by the end of his contract in 2016, per Sky Sports. Both Arsenal and Manchester United, linked to the midfielder by Simon Jones of MailOnline, will be encouraged to hear Watzke's latest comments.

Gundogan is a natural fit for Arsenal due to his intelligent passing style. He works hard through the centre and is an adept tackler who can fulfil multiple duties. Similar to Gunners stars such as Ramsey and Santi Cazorla, he can control the tempo of a match.

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This is exactly why United boss Louis van Gaal is said to be weighing up a move. The Red Devils desperately need cover for midfield metronome Michael Carrick, who continues to suffer with an injury. Gundogan's quality on the ball and ability to take up intelligent positions would fit in well alongside Ander Herrera at Old Trafford.

B/R UK's James McNicholas believes Arsenal are on the right track to genuinely challenging for the Premier League title:

Wenger's summer signings are likely to rank among his most important. Once again, it is time for Arsenal to progress or head back into that comfortable fourth-place spot. The long-term future of the manager and the club rests on whether he can attract world-class talent on a consistent basis.

Capturing Sterling and Gundogan would reinforce the side's growing stature and, indeed, underline the notion of progress which has many fans excited as the season draws to a close.