Raheem Sterling’s struggles at Arsenal have continued as the winger went another game without being called upon by Mikel Arteta.
Despite Arsenal drawing with Manchester United, the forward was left on the bench and snubbed by the manager as an option to change the game.
Instead, the Spaniard opted for Kieran Tierney to play in a hybrid left-wing role, which only put further questions about Raheem Sterling’s place in the side.
Arsenal fans weren’t happy with Sterling as he failed to come on and make an impact, leading many to rue the transfer altogether.
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Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Raheem Sterling’s struggles at Arsenal
Raheem Sterling has been playing top-level Premier League football for many years, breaking through as a youngster at Liverpool before his spells at Manchester City and Chelsea.
For most of that time, the forward has been an elite option, but his recent drop in performances starting with his move to Stamford Bridge has come as a surprise.
There was hope that a move to Arsenal could find that spark for him once again, but with just a few months remaining on that deal, it hasn’t happened so far.
It was a point of discussion for Alan Shearer on The Rest is Football podcast, who said: “You can tell even a bit of a spring has gone and his belief and the confidence when he gets the ball is not quite that same energy or whatever it is.
“And I guess that’s maybe confidence as well because he hasn’t played and then when he has played, he hasn’t done that well.”
It was something that Micah Richards built on, responding: “I think it’s just that sharpness, isn’t it?
“I think he’s had injuries, he goes to Chelsea in a different system, didn’t really see the best of him. He’s played in a team that was winning every single week in Man City, gone to Arsenal for another high-pressing team but there’s just missing that sharpness.
“You know with Raheem, I mean he was always good dribbling as a youngster… what his strength was, was his runs sort of in behind, the timing of his run and his acceleration.
“But now he doesn’t seem to have that sharpness when he’s running forward and it’s sad to see because as you said, he’s a top player in the Premier League.”
That change may well mean the move to Arsenal simply hasn’t worked out, though there are big questions about what is next for the star.
Raheem Sterling’s transfer future is now uncertain
Arsenal won’t be pursuing a permanent transfer for Raheem Sterling this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.
The winger is set to return to Chelsea after his loan spell, which will then lead to questions over where his future may lie.
Sterling still has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, though it seems unlikely he would feature for Enzo Maresca moving forward.
As a result, it’s unclear exactly where the experience forward may end up in the summer, should a move away be pursued.
Sterling’s struggles with Arsenal may well rule him out of another top-six Premier League side, though it remains to be seen if there is interest elsewhere in the league.
Clubs abroad could well look to reinvigorate his career as he is still in his peak years.
In all though, his future seemingly won’t be at Arsenal.
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