Arsenal's Raheem Sterling transfer decision already justified after Edu's masterplan

Raheem Sterling, if nothing else, will bring a wealth of experience to Arsenal’s squad for the 2024/25 season. In the worst-case scenario, he’ll lighten the burden on Bukayo Saka, participate in Champions League group stage games, position himself at the back post for cut-backs, and provide Mikel Arteta with some versatility.

With the ability to play on both wings and a record in European competition that none of his teammates can match over his illustrious career, it’s a longer and temporary version of Jorginho’s arrival in January 2023. Arsenal had a need, and they found someone who fits the bill.

Sterling may not be flashy and his signing may raise immediate questions, but there is a logic behind it. Jorginho might not have caused much excitement when he was signed for a modest fee of around £10million, but he has played a part.

For those doubting Sterling – and there are reasons to believe he won’t come close to replicating his Manchester City performance – he simply needs to fill a space to deliver what Arsenal and Arteta really wanted from their summer attacking reinforcement. It may not be as thrilling as Nico Williams’ arrival, but it is significant.

The question remains how Arsenal will progress without Sterling should Gabriel Martinelli fail to live up to the standards set in 2022/23. But that’s a problem for another day.

Arsenal have already reaped the benefits of Sterling’s arrival before he has even had a chance to train. This was felt when they received a bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for Leandro Trossard.

The offer, which began with a loan (including a £4.2million fee) plus an obligation to buy of around £20million, was promptly dismissed. Considering the prices paid by clubs from the Pro League over the past two years, it was stingy.

However, if Al-Ittihad had come closer to matching the sort of fee that other sides across Europe have received for even ageing squad players, Arsenal might have considered it. Without Sterling, this is nearly impossible.

The club believes that selling the Belgian is not worth discussing due to his importance under Arteta, but this is slightly offset with Sterling coming in. As both players can offer something different from the right or left, they will be competing for minutes in a frontline that now appears well-equipped to compete across all competitions.

Arsenal’s successful signing of Trossard for just £20million means that despite being 29 now, they would have made a net and accounting profit on the former Brighton man. It is sometimes at this stage that clubs would consider selling up as well, even for a player with such a defined and useful role.

Trossard’s impact at the Emirates Stadium over the past 18 months highlights why Sterling was such a crucial signing. Edu Gaspar himself confessed that the Chelsea player wasn’t on their radar or part of their plans for most of the summer, but the opportunity presented itself.

Just as no one could predict Sterling’s arrival, even a day before the deadline, it’s difficult to envision Trossard leaving. However, football is unpredictable and while Arsenal may maintain their firm stance on Trossard, they wouldn’t rule out a departure if the financial conditions were right.

Sterling’s presence allows this possibility. His influence is already being felt.