Arsenal have done very little business during the summer transfer window but towards the end, the Gunners have brought in winger Raheem Sterling on a loan spell from Chelsea.
Since the start of the summer, Sterling was linked with an exit from Chelsea but most experts thought that the England international will join a Saudi Arabian team. However, he has chosen to remain in the Premier League, and moving to Arsenal could actually help revive his career.
Have Arsenal done the right thing by signing the Chelsea misfit?
At Stamford Bridge, Raheem Sterling has been average at best which is why many people have questioned this move. However, according to MOTM pundit Danny Murphy, the winger’s experience is going to be a key asset.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Murphy said: “The more players you have in the dressing room that have won trophies, the more it rubs off on those around you. It’s about showing a mentality and calmness in decisive moments and Raheem was a huge part of that at Manchester City.
“So, too, was Mikel Arteta. Raheem knows the high standards that Arteta sets. Likewise, Arteta knows how good a professional Raheem is and what a great role model he is.”
Towards the end of last season when Manchester City put their foot on the peddle, Arsenal could keep pace and that was primarily due to the lack of a seasoned pro in the squad. Mikel Arteta has assembled a bunch of top players but with Sterling coming in, the manager will have someone who has won multiple trophies.
Raheem Sterling started his career at Liverpool but undoubtedly, he had his best time with Manchester City from 2015 till 2022 when he won 12 major trophies. The winger will be a valuable asset not only inside the dressing room but also on the pitch.
How will Raheem Sterling fit into Arsenal?
Sterling is predominantly a left winger but the 29-year-old can also play on the right-hand side. And this versatility is the primary reason why Arsenal have brought him on board.
Bukayo Saka is the first-choice right winger but for the previous two seasons, the England international has been massively overworked by both his club and country. During the 22/23 season, Saka played 48 games for Arsenal and in the previous season, he featured in 47 games.
Experts have been fearful that one major injury to Bukayo Saka will be enough to derail Arsenal’s title and this is why Mikel Arteta has brought in Raheem Sterling. Last season, Saka was lucky enough to avoid any major injury setback but it looks like Arteta is not going to take any chances this time.
Sterling has not been majorly successful for Chelsea but still, he had 12 goal contributions in 31 Premier League games in the previous campaign. The 29-year-old knows fully well that he is not going to be a regular starter but because he can be the backup on either wing, Raheem Sterling should be able to play at least 25 plus matches by the end of May.
Out on the left-hand side, Mikel Arteta has Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard but on the right, Raheem Sterling will challenge Bukayo Saka. Also, if needed, the England international can also play as a centre-forward and with Gabriel Jesus’ poor form at Arsenal, Arteta will be able to use Sterling in tandem with Kai Havertz as well.
