Arsenal concluded their summer transfer window by securing Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea. After being sidelined by Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, Sterling has been given a chance for a fresh start under Mikel Arteta in north London.
Arteta and Sterling previously worked together at Manchester City when Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant. Now, they are set to face off against City, aiming for the Premier League title after a couple of years of striving for success.
The transfer of Sterling to the Emirates was not confirmed until a few hours after the deadline on Friday night, which necessitated Arsenal submitting a deal sheet to the Premier League. As Sterling joins Arsenal for the season, Fabrizio Romano has provided some behind-the-scenes insights from London Colney.
With the first international break of the season underway, Sterling has been afforded a two-week window to acclimate to his new surroundings before Arsenal’s next match. Their upcoming fixture is a significant north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for next weekend.
It appears that Sterling has already begun to make a positive impression on the Arsenal coaching staff, with early signs being encouraging. Romano reports that Sterling was thrilled to finalize his move to Arsenal before the deadline:
“Things didn’t end that easily for Raheem Sterling at Chelsea, but he’s very happy to join Arsenal,” Romano shared in his Daily Briefing. “Happy about the project, the manager, staying in London as he didn’t want to move to the Middle East or similar options. So, I’m told he’s buzzing for this opportunity to join Arsenal.”
Sterling had found himself out of favor with Maresca at Chelsea, not featuring in any of the club’s opening games. To add to his frustration, Sterling’s number was reassigned to new signing Pedro Neto while he was still with Chelsea. Facing the possibility of not playing at all, Sterling pushed for a move before the transfer deadline.
Sterling expressed his satisfaction with the move after joining Arsenal, stating, “It’s a perfect fit for myself to be at a football club like this, where you can see that hunger, that desire, year on year, they are pushing and pushing and pushing. That’s exactly how I am as a person,” he told the club website.
