Pep Guardiola wanted Arsenal target to leave over the summer

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was open to parting ways with Raheem Sterling during the previous transfer window.

Sterling's game time reduced during the back end of last season. Phil Foden was regular picked ahead of him in the European games.

This led to speculation that he could leave the club over the summer, but he ended up staying put with the Mancunian giants.

The 26-year-old has since made only three league starts for the Cityzens with summer signing Jack Grealish preferred ahead of him.

It is now revealed that Guardiola wanted to offload Sterling this summer after their relationship soared in the second half of last season.

Unfortunately, they were no suitable offers on the table. Barcelona were interested, but their loan proposal was turned down.

Sterling could leave the club soon with his current deal expiring in 20 months. Arsenal have also been linked with him.

Mikel Arteta has a good bond with the attacker, and has been credited with improving him when he was City's assistant manager.

Sterling won't come on the cheap despite his lack of regular minutes. City currently value him in the region of £65 million.