CONFIRMED: Raheem Sterling jersey number confirmed ahead of Brighton game today,as player is expected to start from bench today – welcome to Emirate Raheem
Arsenal secured a dramatic late deal to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on a season long loan on deadline day.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was keen to strengthen his attack this summer but looked to be left frustrated after missing out on key targets such as Benjamin Sesko and Nico Williams.
However, Arsenal were alerted to Sterling’s availability late in the window after Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made it clear in public that the winger was not in his plans.
Sterling was axed from the Chelsea squad and his agent set about trying to secure him a late move, with Arsenal entering talks over a potential deal on deadline day.
Negotiations with Chelsea proved successful after the two clubs agreed on a straight year-long loan deal and Sterling arrived at Arsenal’s training ground on Friday night to undergo his medical and finalise terms.
A deal sheet was submitted before 11pm giving the clubs an extra two hours to complete the move. The formalities were wrapped up in time with Arsenal announcing on Arsenal.com in the early hours that Sterling has joined the club on a year long loan deal.
After securing the move, the 29-year-old expressed his delight at joining Arsenal and told fans that the best is yet to come from him during his illustrious career.
Sterling has won four Premier League titles, five domestic cups and has provided 123 goals and 63 assists in 379 top flight appearances, so he’ll bring with him vast experience and quality to the Arsenal squad.
While Sterling will mainly provide some much needed cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing, the former Liverpool and Man City star can play on either side and even up front as a ‘false 9’ so he’ll give Arteta another versatile option in the final third this season.
To make room for Sterling’s arrival, Arsenal allowed Reiss Nelson to depart with the 24-year-old joining Fulham on a year long loan deal last night.
Here are some more photos of Sterling posing in his new Arsenal kit:
