Former Republic of Ireland international and Times columnist, Tony Cascarino, warns Raheem Sterling about signing for Arsenal.

Cascarino has warned Sterling against a move to ‘sinking ship’ Arsenal amid rumours that the 22-year-old could be used in a player-plus-cash deal for Alexis Sanchez.

“Manchester City are prepared to let Raheem Sterling leave for Arsenal but the England forward should be very wary of joining a sinking ship,” the ex-striker wrote for his Times column.

“That would be a very dangerous move for Sterling. The list of players who have failed to fulfil their potential at the Emirates Stadium is too long.

“Only if Arsenal were to offer him a much better wage is there any good reason for him to go there.”

He later added, “Sterling may think: ‘I’m a London lad and it could be nice going back home.’

“But, he should also question: ‘Will going to Arsenal enhance my career and get me in the England team for the World Cup next summer?’ The answer is probably ‘No’.

“It would be a particularly bad time for Sterling to join Arsenal because the club is at risk of falling away significantly.

“By dropping out of the Champions League, they are not successful enough to entice the really top players, while Wenger is no longer a big draw for transfer targets.”

Since the rumours first emerged on Tuesday, it’s been denied that City have offered Sterling to Arsenal.

The England international signed for the Sky Blues from Liverpool in 2015 and while he’s still got a lot of developing to do, he would be a great replacement for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain if he signs for the Reds before Thursday night.

Sterling scored 10 goals and assisted 21 in 47 appearances last season and has already scored twice this term. However, he still has three years left on his current deal and considering City allegedly handed over £49m for him only two years ago, it was always doubtful that they would allow him to leave so soon.

City, meanwhile, reportedly tested the waters with a £50m bid for Alexis on Tuesday night, which the Gunners rejected. Arsenal are said to only be willing to listen to offers in the region of £70m.

If no agreement’s met, Alexis will obviously stay in north London, with the likelihood of him refusing to sign a new deal and leaving on a free next year very high.