During Arteta’s time as assistant to Pep Guardiola, the now Arsenal manager was tasked with improving Sterling which was a success and at a time Sterling was competing with the likes of Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski for most goal involvement. Arteta improved Sterling positioning and movement in the opposition box and also his decision making with Pep crediting how Arteta used to spent countless hours with Sterling to perfect his skills. Now both are reunited at Arsenal again where Sterling has signed on a season long loan from Chelsea with the Gunners covering less than 50% of the English man salary and without paying any loan fee, a smart business for Arsenal and Edu. The Arsenal director said it makes a lot of sense to have Sterling at Arsenal “He has experience, he understands more than anyone the league and he’s played in the Champions League many times… so we really needed that”.
Sterling can hit the ground running immediately with him not needing time to adapt since he is EPL proven and will come good for Arsenal hopefully for the Gunners as he can be backup to Bukayo Saka at right wing, can play on the left as well and can also play in the number nine position for Arsenal. During their times together at City, Arteta improved Sterling in the one vs one duel with opposition defenders and Sterling will hope to get back to his best now under the guidance of Arteta once again. Sterling ticks all the box for Arsenal and will most definitely improve the Gunners and give Arteta the luxury to rest Saka at times to avoid a repeat of last season where Saka had to play some matches carrying a knock. Signing Sterling on deadline day is a deal the Gunners couldn’t afford to miss with the England international expected at the Emirate to watch his new side play Brighton in Saturday’s early kick off and according to Raheem Sterling, He is excited and buzzing to get started.
“Joining Arsenal is really an unbelievable feeling. I’m buzzing” “This is a perfect fit for me! You see the journey the boys are on, and the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be part of”.