Arsenal are joining the battle for Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling. The Mail on Sunday says Arsenal are set to swoop for Sterling in a £60m raid that could see Theo Walcott going to Liverpool.

The young player's agent has not tired of briefing media outlets where Sterling could end up, extending interest to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as well as Chelsea and thus creating an auction.

It is understood Sterling would prefer to stay in the Barclays Premier League and preferably move back to his north London roots.

Arsenal have the capacity to pay the fee Liverpool want and match to Sterling's wage aspirations.

The proximity of Arsenal's training ground to where Sterling's family and friends live could be an added factor in their favour.