Arsene Wenger has rejected suggestions that his club could not compete with Manchester City for the signing of Raheem Sterling.

Instead, the Frenchman has stated that the former Liverpool winger was never really needed at the Emirates stadium. Only a few months ago, Wenger had stated that he is a huge fan of Sterling and that he regards the 20-year-old to be a top-class player. While he maintained the same words yet again, Arsenal’s failure to even enter into contention for the player will be a source of disappointment for the fans. The club has only signed Petr Cech so far in this summer transfer window.

Sterling has moved to City in a deal that could eventually be worth around £ 49 million. The Manchester outfit will initially pay £ 44 million and this figure could increase depending upon the successes of the former QPR trainee. Sterling broke through at Liverpool and has even become a first team regular for the England national team. However, this figure has raised a few eyebrows given that he is yet to win a major trophy in his career. He is expected to play alongside Sergio Aguero in the City game while some feel that Sterling has been signed only to increase the homegrown quota at City.

“For me Sterling is a top-class player. It’s a good buy for Man City. An expensive one, but they can afford it. Personally I like him.I didn’t make a bid because he plays in an area where we have plenty of players. We have Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, AlexOxlade-Chamberlain. Alexis Sanchez. Jack Wilshere can play there, Serge Gnabry.We knew Manchester United wouldn’t be happy with finishing outside the top three, they will respond. They have made some interesting signings,” said Wenger about Sterling and the signings made by Manchester United.