Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola won’t let Raheem Sterling join Arsenal, according to El Nacional.

The Catalan rumour mongers report that Guardiola “resoundingly refuses” any suggestion that Sterling could be sold to a “direct rival” in the Premier League.

It is believed that Guardiola’s stance means that Barcelona are the firm favourites to sign Sterling when the January transfer window opens. The La Liga side are, however, not exactly flush with cash, and they would be hoping to snap up the England international on an initial loan deal.

It seems highly unlikely that the Citizens would accept such an offer. The failure to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero in the summer, combined with the fact that Ferran Torres is sidelined for a number of months, means the Premier League champions are already lacking firepower.

Allowing Sterling to leave, without a transfer fee even being paid, would be shooting themselves in the foot and it would be a huge shock were it to happen.