Mikel Arteta admits he ‘got it wrong’ over Arsenal summer signing after surprise decision

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Arsenal’s poor recent form is putting their summer transfer business under increased scrutiny, with questions being raised over their signings.

Goalkeeper Neto is yet to feature, as Edu Gaspar bizarrely signed a backup goalkeeper who is ineligible in the EFL Cup, whilst Riccardo Calafiori is now injured after a bright start.

Mikel Merino missed the first two months of the season after picking up an injury in his first training session, and it has been a slow start for the Spaniard after some mixed displays.

Merino was withdrawn at half time in Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan, but he still appeared more than attacking signing Raheem Sterling, who was an unused substitute in the last two games.

Many are now questioning why Sterling was brought in on loan from Chelsea, and Mikel Arteta has now admitted that he made a mistake over him.

• READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases

Mikel Arteta admits mistake over Raheem Sterling snub

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to face Chelsea, for which Sterling is ineligible to play in, Arteta was asked why the winger was not called upon in back-to-back games, and the Spaniard admitted that the fault was his own.

“That was a decision of mine, nothing to do with Raz,” Arteta replied when asked about Sterling’s snub.

“Somebody got it wrong, it was me. It’s the feeling that you have, the understanding of how you can damage the opponent, and picking a different player, and a different profile for that moment.”

Arteta was then asked if Sterling would play a big part this season, and he did not hesitate in his response.

“Yes,” Arteta stated.

Arsenal decisions over Raheem Sterling were wrong

Financially, the decision to bring Sterling in made perfect sense, with Reiss Nelson moving on loan to Fulham and Arsenal paying less than half of Sterling’s wages to sign him on loan.

However, the decision to not trust him in moments where he could have been useful were wrong. Sterling was left on the bench with Arsenal 1-0 down against Newcastle and Inter, with Gabriel Martinelli failing to perform.

These are the situations Sterling was signed for, as an alternative option upfront who can add speed and experience in tough circumstances.

Sterling is yet to impress in his limited minutes, but he needs to be given a chance to show what he can bring to the team, with Arsenal really struggling going forward and needing fresh inspiration.