Arsenal tipped to sign Chelsea flop next summer

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 8 Sept 2024 10:27 BST
• 3 min read

Raheem Sterling has been tipped to make his loan move to Arsenal permanent next summer.

Sterling completed a Deadline Day loan move to the Emirates with an option or obligation to buy after being frozen out of the squad at Chelsea.

Ben Jacobs reports that Sterling is excited at working with Mikel Arteta again, with the pair having worked together before at Man City.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

Jacobs says that it is Sterling’s intention to prove himself and earn a permanent move to Arsenal.

On Arsenal’s side, Arteta has been keen for some time to have more options and depth on the wings and Sterling fits the bill perfectly here. Should he impress then the space is there for him to join permanently.

Arteta has never hidden his admiration for Sterling.

"My time with Raheem was exceptional,” he said of their time together at City.

“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."

Chelsea will pay a sizeable amount of Sterling’s wages this season as the winger is on £325,000 a week at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal will pay less than half of Sterling’s wages, with no loan fee involved.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer news

Sterling at Chelsea

Big things were expected of Sterling when he joined Chelsea from Manchester City for €55 million in the summer of 2022.

During seven years at City, Sterling had been one of the best players in the Premier League and a key member of Pep Guardiola’s all-dominant team.

However, Sterling failed to perform for Chelsea as he managed for Man City.

He contributed just 19 goals in 81 appearances for a Chelsea side that finished 12th in his first season at the club, and sixth in his second campaign.