Mikel Arteta reveals 'exceptional' bond with Raheem Sterling during their time at Manchester City

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta praises his past work with Raheem Sterling during their time at Manchester City, describing their partnership as "exceptional".

Chelsea, who signed Sterling from the reigning Premier League champions two years ago for £50m, are willing to listen to offers for the 29-year-old, with Crystal Palace among a number of Premier League clubs interested in the player.

Arteta spent three years as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, ending in 2019, with the Spaniard winning five major trophies at Manchester City with Sterling during their time together.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa, live on Premier League and Main Event from 5pm on Saturday, Arteta opened up about the special relationship that he enjoyed with Sterling.

"My time with Raheem was exceptional," Arteta said.

"We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time.

"He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we help them and support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about."

Ricardo Calafiori is the highest-profile arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Spain international Mikel Merino set to join him after Arsenal agreed a £33m deal in principle with Real Sociedad to sign the midfielder.

Arteta refused to be drawn on whether there might be any further transfer activity in the last week of the summer window.

"Anything can happen, both ways, and you have to be ready," he said.

"Especially in the last week, you have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come for many different reasons. We are prepared."

Does Sterling's future remain in the Premier League?

Chelsea are holding talks with clubs interested in Sterling and will then put any proposals in front of him and his representatives.

Sterling wants to stay in the Premier League because his family is settled in London and he wants to get back in the England squad.

Sterling, who has been training away from Chelsea's Cobham training base, would prefer a permanent exit from the club.

Chelsea head coach Maresca informed Sterling last week that he was not in his plans this season and he was left out of the squad that lost to City in their season opener, as well as for Thursday night's UEFA Conference League qualifying win over Servette.

Sterling's No 7 shirt has also been given to summer signing Pedro Neto, who wore the No 19 shirt on his debut against Manchester City on Sunday.

However, Sterling was listed as the club's No. 7 in the match programme for the game against Servette. Publishing deadlines mean the programme went to print before Sterling lost the No. 7 shirt earlier this week.