Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Hold Raheem Sterling 'Advantage,' Latest Rumours

Arsenal reportedly have an edge in the pursuit of Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, but Theo Walcott could play a key role in any potential deal.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, being situated in London could see the Reds starlet opt for a move to the Gunners over some other illustrious Premier League sides:

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Manchester City are prepared to launch a huge bid to sign Sterling but Arsenal and Chelsea believe the appeal of London - where he grew up as a young player at QPR - could give them an advantage.

That may help Arsenal beat off strong competition for Sterling but any potential deal could still hinge on Walcott.

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Cross notes that Walcott is set to hold talks with Arsenal about his long-term future after Saturday’s FA Cup final against Aston Villa. But the Gunners star apparently has longstanding concerns about the playing time he will get at the Emirates given the surfeit of attacking-midfield options the Gunners have.

Although there are plenty who view Sterling as one of the brightest young players in European football at the moment, there are some who would take the Arsenal man over the Liverpool contract rebel. James Dall of ESPN is one of them:

If that is indeed the case, do Arsenal really need to pursue Sterling? The 20-year-old would cost an inflated premium, and Liverpool have proven they are not a side that lets their players walk away on the cheap.

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Even if the Gunners do part company with Walcott—with Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all capable of playing as one of three attacking-midfield men—is this a facet of the squad that really needs replenishing? Especially if the club will have to go up against the likes of Manchester City in a bidding war.

Bleacher Report’s James McNicholas thinks Arsenal have other areas they must address as a priority this summer:

Sterling is a very talented player, and landing him ahead of a host of rivals would be a major statement on the Gunners’ part. But in terms of the personnel Arsene Wenger should be looking to add to facilitate a title charge, getting him on board would be an indulgence rather than a necessity.

Gerard Moreno a Surprise Target

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According to Cross, Arsenal have also been keeping tabs on Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno, who could be available for as little as £3 million in the upcoming transfer window.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent season in 2014/15, scoring 16 goals and bagging four assists in all competitions, per WhoScored.com. His best performances came in the Europa League for the Madrigal outfit, and he’s a skilful player, boasting excellent technical ability.

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But at this stage of his career, a move to the Emirates would surely be detrimental. As well as Moreno has performed this season, he’d still be behind Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck in the Arsenal pecking order, and his playing time would subsequently suffer.

Here’s a reminder of how the Gunners’ striking options have fared this season, per Sky Sports News HQ:

Again, as is the case with Sterling, a forward shouldn’t really be the club’s major priority this summer. Arsenal already have two fine options in Welbeck and Giroud, while the perennial issues between the sticks, in defence and at the base of the club’s midfield have long been left unaddressed.

If the Gunners are to spend big on a forward in the summer window, it should be on a genuine world-class talent—not bargain buys like Moreno, who have potential but are a long way off the finished article.