- 9 hours ago
Arsenal agree Raheem Sterling deal with Chelsea - Romano
Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano
The Gunners have signed an attacking reinforcement at last. With the window drawing to a close, Arsenal appeared resigned to the fact that they would not be able to bolster their offence after missing out on Benjamin Sesko and Nico Williams.
However, thanks to the chaos at Chelsea, the north London club have now managed to pounce on an intriguing opportunity. With Raheem Sterling banished from the first team by Enzo Maresca and told that he would never play for Chelsea again, Arsenal struck.
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As revealed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal stepped up their pursuit of the winger on Deadline Day and they have now managed to agree a deal with Chelsea that will see Sterling head to the Emirates.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sterling is joining the Gunners on a loan deal without an option or obligation to buy.
Arteta a big fan of Sterling
Links to Arsenal had already cropped up earlier in the window, which prompted an intriguing public response from Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard admitted that he absolutely loved his time together with Sterling at Man City.
“You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come. We will be ready,” Arteta previously announced when quizzed about a move for Sterling.
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"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."
With Sterling arriving, Arteta will finally have enough wide options to rest Arsenal's veritable ironman Bukayo Saka more regularly. Last season, the winger had a few minor injuries and this can hopefully now be prevented with adequate cover.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to sign Jadon Sancho from Man Utd.