Arsenal staff's view on Raheem Sterling transfer emerges with three key factors listed

Arsenal staff are reportedly ‘enthused’ by Raheem Sterling’s arrival and believe he could have a major impact on Mikel Arteta’s side this season. The Gunners completed a late loan deal to bring the winger out of Chelsea exile on transfer deadline day.

Sterling is a major coup for Arsenal, who were desperate to add strength to their forward line. The 29-year-old has described the move as the ‘perfect fit’ and believes he can thrive under former Manchester City colleague Arteta.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal’s staff are similarly ‘enthused’ by the arrival of the England international. It is claimed they believe he adds versatility, quality and experience across all three positions in Arteta’s forward line.

Arsenal hope Sterling will be given a new lease of life under Arteta. This is a player who was key to four Premier League-winning teams at Man City and previously excelled when Arteta was assistant to Pep Guardiola.

Only 16 players have won more England caps than Sterling’s 82, while he was key to positive campaigns at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the 2020 European Championship. Arsenal are signing a top-quality talent looking to rekindle his pre-Chelsea form.

Sterling’s £45m switch to Stamford Bridge two years ago failed to work out. By the end of last season, he had dropped out of Mauricio Pochettino’s favoured starting 11, and at the start of this campaign he found himself banished altogether by Enzo Maresca.

Last week, Arteta insisted he had not been tempted to pick up the phone to convince Sterling to move across London. But that stance softened over the course of a week that concluded with Arsenal sealing a reportedly favourable loan agreement with Chelsea.

Sterling adds strength to Arsenal’s front line and will likely compete for a place on the left with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. However, he can also play through the middle and ease the scoring burden placed on Kai Havertz. There is also scope for him to provide back-up to Bukayo Saka on the right wing.