If Arsenal signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea wasn’t dramatic enough last summer, Mikel Arteta arguably went one better by signing Raheem Sterling on deadline day.
Sterling arrives at the Emirates Stadium with a big point to prove, hoping that he can also enjoy an Arsenal renaissance in similar fashion to Havertz.
The England international, who now hasn’t been called up since December 2022, endured a torrid time at Chelsea, even if he started well initially.
Sterling linked up well with Havertz at Stamford Bridge, before his role and form tailed off.
And under Enzo Maresca, it was clear that Sterling wasn’t going to be in the club’s first team plans, which in turn opened the door for Arsenal to improve their squad depth late on.
Arsenal turned down chance to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on deadline day
Of course, if there’s any player who’s even more notorious between Arsenal and Chelsea fans than Havertz and Sterling, it’s Mykhailo Mudryk.
Before he signed for Chelsea at the start of 2023, many Arsenal fans thought Mudryk was destined to wear red.
However, according to Team News and Ticks, who are in-the-know when it comes to all things Arsenal, the club actually vetoed a second chance to sign Mudryk on deadline day.
Chelsea offered Arsenal the chance to take Mudryk on loan, but Mikel Arteta and his side opted to sign Sterling instead.
According to the source, Chelsea were never keen on letting Mudryk leave, however they used the winger’s name as a negotiation tactic to try and achieve a better deal for Sterling.
Chelsea made it out to seem as if Mudryk was moving to La Liga on loan in an attempt to hurry Arsenal.
Chelsea were attempting to run down the clock in hope that Arsenal would then pay more to loan Sterling closer to the deadline, with less time to work on terms.
Fortunately for Arsenal, that tactic didn’t work, and the Gunners were able to get the deal they wanted for Sterling.
Sterling could make Arsenal debut in North London derby
Of course, with Sterling on board and Mudryk still at Chelsea, the England winger may actually make his Arsenal debut in the upcoming North London derby.
Declan Rice misses the game through suspension, a considerable blow for Arteta.
But given that Sterling won’t be going away with England as mentioned, the Arsenal manager will be able to work closely with the winger over the break.
It seems very unlikely that Sterling would start against Tottenham, but he could certainly be set for minutes off of the bench.
And in Rice’s absence, perhaps Arteta would actually be better off handing a first start to Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, allowing Jurrien Timber to play in midfield.
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