Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling made a late switch on transfer deadline day, securing a season-long loan move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The 29-year-old England international is thrilled about the opportunity to join Mikel Arteta’s side, describing the move as an “unbelievable feeling” and “really exciting.”
Sterling’s transfer comes after being informed by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca that he was not part of the club's future plans. Despite joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022 and making 81 appearances while scoring 19 goals, Sterling found himself on the outskirts of the first team, especially after Chelsea's massive spending spree of over £200 million on 11 new signings this summer.
Reflecting on the move to Arsenal, Sterling acknowledged the last-minute nature of the deal: “It’s one where we kind of left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just, like, 'This is a perfect fit for me,' and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”
Sterling has a history with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was a coach at Manchester City during Sterling's time there. This connection, along with the chance to be part of a team with a strong sense of togetherness, played a significant role in his decision to move.
“I spoke with [sporting director] Edu and I said you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here, and you see the journey the boys are on. You can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of,” Sterling added.
Although he was linked with a potential move to Manchester United earlier, the opportunity to join Arsenal emerged late in the transfer window. Sterling's move to North London reunites him with Arteta and provides him a fresh start in his career after a challenging period at Chelsea.
Now, with his move to Arsenal, Sterling is looking forward to revitalizing his club career and potentially making a return to the national team setup.
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