Arsenal have explored the possibility of signing Manchester City duo Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling in the last year, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Gunners are currently being heavily linked with Gabriel Jesus, but it seems that the Brazilian is not the only City player Mikel Arteta has been looking at.

What is the latest transfer news involving Arsenal?

According to The Athletic, Arsenal technical director Edu and Jesus' representatives have held discussions over the striker moving to the Emirates this summer.

Up front is a position that Arteta is almost certain to strengthen following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure to Barcelona back in the January transfer window.

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also out of contract at the end of the season, so the north London club's need for a new centre-forward is likely to become even more urgent.

And Jesus could be an attainable option as City reportedly close in on the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

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What has Jones said about Arsenal?

Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Jesus is not the only City player Arsenal have been eyeing.

Speaking about past interest in Mahrez and Sterling, the football journalist said: "In the last year, Arsenal have looked at the possibility of signing Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. They're looking for players of that next level, and they've got to try and get to that next level."

Should Arsenal try and sign Mahrez and Sterling this summer?

If they become available in the upcoming transfer window, Arsenal have got to put themselves in the frame.

Mahrez, who joined City for £60m back in 2018, and Sterling, who arrived at the Etihad in a £49m deal in 2015, are both quality attackers and proven winners.

Statistically, Sterling has been City's best dribbler in the Premier League this season (*more than one appearance), averaging 1.8 dribbles per game, while Mahrez is currently the team's joint-top scorer in the top flight with 11 goals (via WhoScored).

Ultimately, Mahrez and Sterling would be great additions to Arteta's squad, but would City be willing to sell the pair and Jesus all in the same window?

Arsenal are also probably going to have to secure Champions League football to acquire players of their calibre, which is not a guarantee, though they will fancy their chances given where they are in the table presently and the amount of fixtures left in the season.

Cross the finishing line, and perhaps the Gunners really could end up with Mahrez or Sterling if City decide to shake up their squad in the summer.