Transfer gossip: Mirror say Sterling has been offered to Arsenal

Raheem Sterling has been offered to Arsenal in a cash-plus-player offer for Alexis Sanchez, the Daily Mirror claim.

The Harlesden-raised forward is said to be part of a package put together by Manchester City to tempt the Gunners to sell one of their prized assets.

Arsenal have long insisted Sanchez is not for sale, despite being in the last year of his contract, but the Mirror says there has been “direct contact” with City.

However, the report adds the FA Cup holders will be reluctant to sell.

England international Sterling, 22, has scored twice for City already this season.

The Mirror also say Chelsea are trying to rush through a £40m deal for Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fend off Liverpool.

The Mirror say Chelsea want to move quickly because “they fear Liverpool in the background.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Express declare that Chelsea are closing in on a “£75m double early transfer deadline day swoop”, paying £35m for Oxlade-Chamberlain and £40m for Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater.