Arteta's Sterling surprise: Arsenal boss admits 'STRONG FEELINGS' for Chelsea star

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 23 Aug 2024 11:28 BST
3 min read

Raheem Sterling, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his admiration for Raheem Sterling after the winger was outcast from the Chelsea squad.

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The former international's future is uncertain at Stamford Bridge after he was excluded from Enzo Maresca‘s side last weekend for their defeat against Manchester City.

Furthermore, Maresca says Sterling is training away from Chelsea's first team, even admitting that he "prefers a different kind of winger".

Now the Blues are open to a sale, while Sterling has publically asked for clarity on his future. Sterling's No.7 shirt has even been given to summer signing Pedro Neto as Chelsea look to trim the inflated squad.

A number of Premier League suitors have registered an interest. Now Arsenal head coach Arteta has seemingly opened the door to a possible move to the Emirates.

The Spaniard, who worked with Sterling at Man City when he was the assistant boss there, said on the transfer front for Arsenal: “You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come. We will be ready.”

© IMAGO - Arteta still has a good relationship with Sterling

Current ETV

Raheem Sterling

M (L), AM (R)

Chelsea

Raheem Sterling

M (L), AM (R)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€39.1M - €65.1M

While he talked about Sterling and his future: "My time with Raheem was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how they, players think, and how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about."

What other clubs are interested in Raheem Sterling?

Sterling has a firmer interest in other clubs ahead of the summer transfer window deadline day, according to the Daily Mail.

Crystal Palace are among the teams interested, though his £325,000-per-week salary is an obstacle.

Aston Villa have a "tentative interest" and Juventus have even made an approach for the 29-year-old attacker, with Barcelona potentially opening the door given their interest in Federico Chiesa.

Sterling signed for Chelsea from Man City in 2022 for £50m. FootballTransfers' Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) algorithm ranks him at £44m.

Sterling arrived at