Arsenal can't compete financially with Chelsea for Raheem Sterling, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Thomas Tuchel's men are in pole position to sign the £200,000 per-week ace and Jones reckons there's "little chance" the Emirates side will look at the England man as an alternative to Raphinha.

What's the latest news involving Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta has already made three summer signings in Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira, but Arsenal look likely to fall short in their attempts to bring Leeds star Raphinha to north London.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

Arsenal were seemingly in the driving seat to sign the Brazilian, but Chelsea have swooped in and agreed a £55m fee for his services.

The Athletic stated that the Gunners haven't yet reached Chelsea's level for Raphinha and are therefore going to have to seek other targets.

But equally, Jones doesn't believe that Arteta's side can compete with the Blues for Sterling, who's currently in talks over a move to Stamford Bridge.

What did Jones say about Sterling?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "There have been whispers of Arsenal going for Sterling but there is very little chance of them jumping in on that deal to revenge at Chelsea for bidding on Raphinha.

"The main issue, away from the level they're at, is the wages. I'm told they just can't compete at his pay level."

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Why do Arsenal need a winger?

Arsenal already have some fine options out wide, but Arteta needs more strength in depth if he wants his team to become serious top four challengers once again.

On the right, the Spaniard has Bukayo Saka, who's one of the top right-sided players in the Premier League, highlighted by his 11 goals last season, but Nicolas Pepe is his backup and the Ivorian's future in the capital remains in serious doubt.

Meanwhile, on the left Arsenal have Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe, and while those two enjoyed promising seasons in their own rights, they're both under the age of 22, which is why Arteta is looking to recruit a more established wide man in order to see his side progress to the next level.

In truth, Arsenal do have more pressing issues in the squad, like bolstering their full-back department and signing another centre-back, but a winger should remain very much on Arteta's agenda despite their failed bid to sign Raphinha.