Arsenal have been keen to lure Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling to the Emirates Stadium 'for over a year', but he will seek assurances ahead of agreeing to join Mikel Arteta's side, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Gunners are closing in on a return to the Champions League, with them currently sitting in the Premier League's top four, and it appears Arteta is putting plans in place ahead of the summer window opening for business.

What's the latest news involving Sterling?

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are ready to explore a move for Sterling ahead of next season.

The report suggests there are serious doubts over whether the 74-cap England international will be at Manchester City beyond the end of the current campaign and the Gunners are preparing to pounce if the Premier League title chasers are open to sanctioning his departure.

Sterling, who is valued at £76.5million by Transfermarkt, could be made available due to entering the final 12 months of his £300,000-per-week contract in the summer.

The 27-year-old admitted earlier in the season that he is interested in heading overseas before hanging up his boots, suggesting he has thought of leaving his current employers.

Sterling is not the only Manchester City star who Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks as technical director Edu has held discussions with Gabriel Jesus' representatives ahead of potentially lodging a big-money bid.

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What has Dean Jones said about Sterling?

Jones understands Sterling has been on Arsenal's radar for more than 12 months and the Manchester City ace will need to hold discussions before deciding whether to swap the Etihad Stadium for the Emirates Stadium.

However, the transfer insider has doubts as to whether Arteta and Edu will succeed in persuading Sterling to head to north London.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Sterling is definitely going to need reassurance about how he fits in and Arsenal have wanted him for over a year.

"But I’m not sure he’d go for that, it’s a climb down from competing to win the Premier League and Champions League."

Why is Sterling of interest to Arsenal?

It is clear that Sterling is potent in front of goal, with him finding the back of the net 153 times over the course of his senior club career.

He has also added his name to the scoresheet on 16 occasions and registering a further seven assists this season.

There is no doubting that Sterling would bring a winning mentality to Arsenal as he has got his hands on five Carabao Cups, three Premier League titles, two Community Shields and the FA Cup during his time at Manchester City.

The attacker has also been described as 'phenomenal' by England boss Gareth Southgate, so it is clear that he would add another dimension to Arteta's side in the final third of the pitch.