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Arsenal told Raheem Sterling could be a ‘valuable’ addition

By Ritayan Chatterjee on September 2, 2024

Former striker turned pundit Alan Shearer has given his verdict about Arsenal’s surprising deadline day move for Raheem Sterling.

The Gunners were relatively quiet in the recently concluded summer window but made a few new additions to bolster the squad and help Mikel Arteta mount a title charge once again this season.

Riccardo Calafiori has been purchased from Bologna to strengthen the defence, while Mikel Merino has joined the club to add depth in the engine room. Moreover, following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure, Neto has been hired on a loan deal to support David Raya after initially prioritising signing Joan Garcia from Espanyol.

However, late on the deadline day, Arsenal decided to step up their efforts to sign Sterling and eventually managed to secure his signature in time. The forward was banished by Chelsea as their new manager Enzo Maresca made it clear that the Englishman wouldn’t fit into his system so he wouldn’t get any playing time there.

Now, speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer has said that it is a good move that Sterling has managed to come out of Chelsea as it would have been horrible for him if he stayed and rotted in the stiffs.

Sterling to Arsenal

The pundit further claims that considering Sterling’s experience and know-how about the Premier League, he would be a ‘valuable’ acquisition for the North London club in their quest for the league title.

He said:

“Yeah, I think it’s a really good move for him. I think it was important that he got out and played. It would have been horrible for him to sit there and rot in the stiffs, not even maybe, not even see first team football, never mind train or whatever with them. So I think it was really important for him to get out with his experience and know-how, he could be valuable to Arsenal.”

Mikel Arteta was seemingly looking to sign a new wide attacker over the last couple of years to support Bukayo Saka as Arsenal were linked with a host of options. So, Sterling’s addition would help Arteta manage Saka’s game-time and keep him fresh throughout this season.

The former Manchester City star, valued at around £29m by Transfermarkt, is comfortable playing on either flank and can also provide cover in the centre-forward position if needed.