Arsenal stance on Raheem Sterling and Neto revealed as January loan decisions made

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Arsenal could face a damaging restriction in the January transfer window.

As things stand, Arsenal are unable to loan in any more players from Premier League clubs, as they already have Raheem Sterling and Neto on the books at the Emirates Stadium.

Due to Premier League rules, Arsenal cannot loan in any more players from fellow top flight sides whilst they have Sterling at the club from Chelsea and Neto in from Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta would need to cancel one of these deals in January before another Premier League player could be brought to North London on loan. 

With Bukayo Saka now set for a significant spell on the sidelines following surgery, there is now an argument that the Gunners ought to bring in short term cover for the winger via the loan market.

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

Arsenal stance on Neto and Raheem Sterling

Sterling ought to be able to provide cover for Saka himself, but the England international has failed to impress for the Gunners so far this season.

Plenty of Arsenal fans would be pleased to see Sterling’s loan cancelled. 

However, as per The Mirror, Arteta has made a firm decision that Sterling will remain at Arsenal until the end of the season. 

There has been talk of cutting his deal short, and a recognition behind the scenes at Arsenal that the 30-year-old has fallen short of expectations, but it seems that the Spanish coach is not yet ready to give up on the former Manchester City star.

However, Neto’s place at the Emirates Stadium is far form the certain. As per the aforementioned report, the goalkeeper’s deal is: “Likely to be revisited if a new opportunity arises.”

The Brazilian shot-stopper is yet to make a single appearance for the Gunners. However, if Arsenal sent Neto back to Bournemouth this month they would need to source a new back up option for David Raya.

Raheem Sterling injury update

Whilst it has been decided that Sterling will stay at Arsenal, he still won’t feature for the club against Brentford this afternoon as he is currently out of action with injury.

Arteta recently provided an injury update about Sterling, though, that suggested that he won’t be absent for as long as initially feared, and ought to be back in action fairly soon. 

Once Sterling is available for selection again, he needs to repay Arteta’s faith in him and deliver more than he has been able to contribute for the club up to this point.

So far this season, the attacker has managed just 11 appearances across all competitions, of which only 5 have been starts. In these outings he has chipped in with 1 goal and 2 assists.