Arsenal 'make major decision' over permanent Sterling transfer

What decision have Arsenal made?

Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, that has not been enough to convince Arteta or Arsenal to negotiate a fee with Chelsea.

The report adds that Sterling will be allowed to return to his parent club at the end of the season as the Gunners move in a different direction under new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Speaking on the outlet's Inside Track Podcast, correspondent Pete O'Rourke says that Chelsea will be left with a decision over how to handle Sterling's future.

In the short term, Sterling will remain as a backup option for Arteta as Arsenal attempt to win the Champions League, first looking to negotiate the second leg of their quarter-final tie with Real Madrid where they hold a 3-0 advantage.

If Arsenal progress from that tie, it is plausible that Arteta uses Sterling in future Premier League games with the title race now all but over.

What will Chelsea do?

With Sterling's stock having continued on a downward trajectory at Arsenal, Chelsea have the difficult task of trying to find a suitable club for Sterling.

A cut-price fee will need to be considered if they are to facilitate a sale, something that is plausible if Chelsea want to get the player's vast wages off their outgoings.

More realistically, Sterling could again leave on loan. In the past, he is said to prefer a Premier League stay, but it has become increasingly clear that the bigger clubs will look elsewhere if they want to sign a new winger.