Arsenal completed the signing of five players in this summer transfer window. Last season loanee, goalkeeper David Raya, completed his permanent move from Brentford at the start of this transfer window. This was followed by two Euro 2024 stars joining the Gunners, Italian defender, Riccardo Calafiori, from Italian side Bologna, and Spanish midfielder, Mikel Merino, from Real Sociedad.
On the deadline day, Arsenal also signed Chelsea winger, Raheem Sterling, and Bournemouth goalkeeper, Neto, on loan deals.
Andy Cole has named the Sterling’s move to Arsenal as the “best move”
Manchester United legend, Andy Cole, named his favorite transfer deal of this summer transfer window. It has nothing to do with his former club though. Cole believed that the move of Raheem Sterling to Arsenal from Chelsea was the best deal that happened in this summer transfer window.
Sterling joined the Gunners on the deadline day from the Blues, on loan for the rest of the season. Sterling has become the highest wage earner at current Arsenal. However, half of his wages will be paid by Chelsea. Chelsea wanted to offload Sterling before the end of the summer transfer window, with their London rivals coming at the last moment to sign him on loan.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool star joined Chelsea at the start of the 2022 season. Since then, Sterling made 81 appearances for the Blues and scored 19 goals in the last two seasons. Arsenal are the next big club that the Englishman joins, after Liverpool, City, and Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a new winger in this transfer window and tried a lot to get one. Brazilian winger, Gabriel Martinelli, has struggled to get back his form, with Leandro Trossard being used as a substitute. To further strengthen their attack, Arsenal’s boss wanted to sign someone. Arteta and Sterling know each other well as both of them worked together previously during their time at Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola.
Sterling’s situation at Chelsea
Manchester United legend, Andy Cole, said that Raheem Sterling’s move to Emirates will help him a lot as both, the manager and the player, have known each other well and had chemistry at City. Arsenal could possibly get something extra from Sterling that Chelsea have been lacking. Andy Cole also criticized the new Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, and his behavior towards a star player like Sterling.
During the summer transfer window, Maresca publicly said that it would be better for Sterling if he left the club as soon as possible. Maresca also said that the Englishman will not get sufficient playing time at Chelsea. That’s why Chelsea wanted to remove Sterling from the squad and eventually Arsenal raised their hands.
When will Raheem Sterling feature for Arsenal?
Raheem Sterling was not involved in the Brighton game, where the Gunners drew 1-1 at home. The 29-year-old, however, was present in the stand, supporting his new team and also observing the playing style of his new manager closely.
With Gabriel Martinelli struggling, Raheem Sterling could start for Arsenal in their next match. Arsenal will face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur away from home, after the international break ends. The last time Sterling played a match was back in August 11 against Inter in the pre-season friendlies, and now he could start for Arsenal in the next match week against Spurs.
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