Arsenal could surprise many fans by welcoming one well-known Premier League figure to the club this summer.
There are nine days to go until transfer deadline day, with plenty of movement still expected to happen at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have only welcomed one new face this summer, with Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival from Bologna poised to be added to.
While Arsenal’s pursuit of Mikel Merino is heating up, it could be another possible signing that steals the headlines this summer in North London.
Arsenal should monitor Raheem Sterling’s transfer situation after Chelsea snub
Away from Arsenal, there is a lot unfolding in West London as Chelsea are in the midst of a mass exile under Enzo Maresca.
One player who is out of the manager’s plans is Raheem Sterling, who is currently training away from the squad as his time at Chelsea looks to be close to an end.
Arteta now has the chance to sign Sterling, who Arsenal wanted to sign last summer, as per 90min.
On paper, many would be against signing the winger, who earns a staggering £325k-a-week at Stamford Bridge however, a move for the 29-year-old may actually be smart.
At the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Arsenal added both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to the side, two players who had won a combined eight Premier League titles between them.
The duo’s experience with working under Pep Guardiola helped to fuel Arsenal’s title charge, with expectations raised in the dressing room in North London.
Now, Arteta could repeat such trick by acquiring Sterling although, one major unspoken rule would have to be broken to do so.
Why Mikel Arteta should make a move for Sterling
When reviewing Arteta’s recent purchases at Arsenal, it’s clear that the Spaniard has adopted a preference to sign talent under the age of 25.
The approach has worked for the Spaniard, with some of the Gunners’ top performing signings being under 25 at the point of signing for the club.
One exception in the group is Jorginho, who was signed at the age of 31 back in February 2023 with the intention to add experience to the dressing room and the midfield.
Now, Arteta must break his transfer rule once more and seek inspiration from his capture of Jorginho, with the opportunity to sign Sterling there for the manager to capitalise on.
Still only 29, there is plenty of football for the Englishman to still play at the top level and there is certainly a role for the Chelsea outcast to dive into at Arsenal.
One theme that has arisen over the years is the lack of competition there to challenge and support both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, which is something that Sterling could assist with.
The four-time Premier League winner has a magnificent 185 league goal contributions to his name during his career in the top-flight that spans over 379 appearances.
If a financial agreement could be struck between Arsenal and Sterling, a deal should be explored with the experienced winger having the quality and the mentality required to bolster Arteta’s squad and help the Gunners push for the league title.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
