Arsenal are aiming to beat Barcelona to the signature of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, according to reports.

The England international is said to have already made up his mind about leaving the Etihad Stadium after seeing his game time reduced over the past six months.

Barca were believed to be favourites to sign Sterling in the January transfer window, but it appears City’s asking price for the 26-year-old has put them off from making a formal approach.

Sterling will reportedly be allowed to leave for a fee between £40m and £45m, which is way above what cash-strapped Barcelona can afford.

Arsenal, on the other hand, wouldn’t have much trouble in matching City’s demands, but it remains to be seen whether manager Pep Guardiola would sanction the transfer.

Reports have suggested that Guardiola would be reluctant to offload Sterling to a domestic rival, and his preference would be to see the player move abroad.