Arsenal flop named 'worst signing of the season'

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 20 Nov 2024 11:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has named Raheem Sterling as the worst signing of the season.

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

It was Sterling’s intention to prove himself and earn a permanent move to Arsenal.

READ MORE: Arsenal top scorers 2024/25: Who is leading the club's goal rankings?

But that now appears unlikely after a disastrous start to his career at the Emirates.

He has started just two Premier League matches and made two further substitute appearances totalling 123 minutes of action. He has scored no goals and delivered no assists.

His only goal contribution has come in the League Cup where he has managed a goal and assist.

When asked on ESPNFC to name his worst signing of the 2024/25 season of all transfers, Nicol named Sterling.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

What did Nicol say?

“Let’s be honest, what has he done? He’s done zero,” Nicol said.

“I mean, at the very least, come on and give Martinelli and Saka on the other side a break and push the rest of the players to be better.

“I mean, just all the things, all the reasons that he was brought.

“You know, use your experience, push the other two to be better, giving them competition, and then when you do get a chance, make it count.

“I mean, he’s done nothing, absolutely zero. (I expected) more than zero, I expected more than nothing at all, absolutely.

“Okay call me crazy, but if you sign somebody and they do nothing, that’s not good.”

Sterling’s struggles have not helped an Arsenal team who have fallen well below expectations so far this season.

Arsenal have already fallen out of the title race as they are nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

A big reason for their struggles has been their goal-shy attack, with only Bukayo Saka consistently performing at a top level this term.