New favourites emerge to sign Raheem Sterling as odds slashed on Chelsea star completing deadline-day transfer

A new favourite has emerged to sign Raheem Sterling as odds have been slashed ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline.

Sterling has been the subject of intense transfer speculation after Enzo Maresca made him surplus to requirements at Chelsea.

He's been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, who were hoping to sanction the sale of Jadon Sancho in separate deals.

But ahead of Friday's transfer deadline, odds have been slashed on Arsenal to sign Sterling before the window slams shut.

According to Sky Bet, the Gunners are now 6/4 favourites to secure Sterling's services ahead of Man United and Crystal Palace, who are priced at 3/1 and 8/1 respectively.

Arsenal recently snapped up midfielder Mikel Merino, having already lured Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates.

But Mikel Arteta has yet to reinforce his attacking options, with another star forward linked with the North London outfit.

The former Liverpool and Manchester City star, however, could be the one Arteta signs ahead of tomorrow's deadline.

Further reports, though, suggest a move away from Stamford Bridge could be difficult to engineer with such little time left in the window.

Raheem Sterling in pre-season action for Chelsea. Image: Getty

Sterling has failed to make either of Maresca's matchday squads for Chelsea's opening two Premier League games.

And the Italian boss has told the 29-year-old and the other members of his squad who are yet to be involved this season that they 'will not get any minutes' if they stay at the club.

"I prefer to be honest with players," he said. "The ones who are not involved are not going to be involved and they won't get any minutes if they stay.

"I don't know what happens when the window closes if they are still here. The ones who will get minutes are the ones I think can help us.

"Raheem is a fantastic guy who has trained very well. Every manager has a different idea and he is the kind of winger that is not one that I like. History and numbers speak for Raheem. He knows exactly what he needs to do.

"The rest are training apart, they are not going to get minutes. I have been clear and honest with them."