Arsene Wenger admits regret for not signing Raheem Sterling at QPR

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has conceded his misgiving in not signing Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling while at Queens Park Rangers.

Sterling, 21, moved from Liverpool to the Etihad in the summer after joining the Reds' academy in 2010 from QPR, where he spent seven years progressing through its youth system.

Poised to lock horns with Arsenal on Monday in a match between title favourites, Gunners gaffer Wenger has addressed his regret in not signing the dynamic winger whilst at Loftus Road.

"We had many players on the flanks, but when Sterling was at QPR - that's where we should take the players," Wenger told reporters, courtesy of ESPN FC.

Sterling has played in 15 Premier League matches for Manuel Pellegrini's lot this year, pairing four goals with two assists for the side that currently sit a point shy of the club they face Monday. The attacking midfielder has also played a vital role in City's European ambitions, with three goals and a helper in six group stage matches.

"We watched him but you miss obvious players. The history of every club is full of top players that you missed. At the time Liverpool were quicker," Wenger said.