Why Arsenal are now TOO GOOD to sign Sterling
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 12 Nov 2021 07:58 CST
- 3 min read
When Arsenal come to try to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in January, if that is a move they do indeed choose to make, they could find themselves victims of their own success.
Early in the season, Mikel Arteta came within a whisker of being sacked following a wretched start that saw the Gunners pointless through three Premier League matches.
Arsenal survived those issues and have since climbed to fifth in the standings, representing a club that looks like it will make a very real challenge for the Champions League places following an eight-match undefeated sequence.
Indeed, they are now only three points behind Man City in the standings.
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It is clear where Arsenal need to strengthen their squad in January. They have managed only 13 goals this season, which is six fewer than any other club in the top six and only one more than second-from-bottom Newcastle.
The addition of Sterling, a player with a proven track record of scoring and creating in the Premier League, would therefore be a logical one.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, though, the tougher their challenge to Man City, the less likely it is that they will get Sterling, the player that they need to take that next step.
After all, Man City will not willingly sell a player to strengthen a direct rival, especially when he has the capacity of undermining their own push for success this season.
Sterling’s transfer status
Sterling may wish to leave Manchester City, but with a contract that expires in 2023, the need for the club to sell is not urgent. Equally, the player’s need to move is not yet critical.
Sterling’s game time might be down this season, but he has still made 13 appearances in all competitions. Moreover, he has seen players in similar situations win their place back in manager Pep Guardiola’s favour, as Bernardo Silva proved by featuring and scoring in the Manchester derby.
With the World Cup still a year away, there is no urgent need for him to leave in search of first-team football.
Equally for Man City, Sterling’s contract is up in 18 months, but they can quite happily keep hold of him until the summer. The interest in such a talent will not have waned, and even if his transfer value drops, they can absorb such a loss.
Arsenal’s excellent form, then, means that they may now be seen as too much of a threat for City to sell Sterling to – but that in itself is surely the ultimate endorsement of the club’s recent performances.
