Mikel Arteta must avoid Raheem Sterling mistake repeat as Arsenal target transfer for manager’s former player

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As Arsenal start to assess their season and what went wrong, the mind casts back towards the previous summer transfer window.

The Gunners did little business, signing Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori as two permanent additions to the squad with a few exits in the mix too.

In hindsight, the lack of a striker or another forward who could compete was a mistake, one that has only been emphasised by Raheem Sterling.

The winger’s loan to Arsenal from Chelsea hasn’t been successful, having struggled to make many meaningful appearances for the Gunners in the campaign so far.

While a lack of minutes has played a part in his struggles, Sterling hasn’t capitalised on injuries to make a starting place his.

All parties are likely to review what went wrong in regards to the spell so far, looking ahead to the future.

Despite that, Arsenal are at threat of making a similar mistake again in the summer transfer window.

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Arsenal must avoid Raheem Sterling repeat with Leroy Sane transfer

Mikel Arteta worked with Raheem Sterling during the early parts of his career, with the pair being at Manchester City at the time.

During that time, the winger was playing some of his best football and seemed as though he was only going to get better.

That changed upon his move to Chelsea and then fast-forwarding to his time at Arsenal as well, though Arteta took the gamble.

A loan move, in the end, was the right decision as it has fewer risks associated with a permanent deal.

Sterling will head back to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, with the Gunners looking at other wide options for the coming transfer window.

One of those has seen Arsenal linked with a transfer for Leroy Sane, who is a free agent at the end of his deal at Bayern Munich this summer.

While the German international has shown plenty of quality, one thing the Gunners can’t do is land him solely on his time with Arteta.

The pair were also together at Manchester City, meaning the Arsenal boss has some idea of his quality and character.

However, in the years that have passed since, Sane may well be a different player and they can’t make the mistake of signing him based on prior knowledge.

It hasn’t quite worked out for Sterling and while it could be different for Sane, there must be caution for a player who has been at the top for such a long time.

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Leroy Sane’s career statistics so far

It’s fair to say that Leroy Sane has had an impressive career so far, racking up 14 trophies to his name since breaking into senior football.

The 29-year-old is in a peak age range, with plenty of output to show for his efforts across his career.

Whether that form would translate back to the Premier League or not remains to be seen, though as a free agent there is a chance for Arsenal to pounce.

Sane’s versatility allows him to play on either flank or down the middle, which may appeal to Arteta.