Arsenal may be regretting some of their transfer activity from last summer, with Raheem Sterling particularly struggling to make an impression at the Emirates.
The winger arrived on loan from Chelsea on deadline day, and has started just four Premier League games all season, scoring no goals and providing one assist.
The Gunners beat Leicester on Saturday afternoon, but it took Mikel Arteta’s side a while to get going, as Sterling frustrated fans by stifling the team’s left-hand side.
The 30-year-old was dreadful at the King Power Stadium, and looks incapable of producing anything close to the level he’s showcased to England football over the last decade.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal’s game-changer against Leicester – it’s not Mikel Merino or Ethan Nwaneri
Fabrizio Romano reveals that Arsenal are yet to make a decision on Raheem Sterling transfer
Expecting Sterling to at least somewhat contribute to his team’s efforts this season, Arteta will be despairing over how the transfer has panned out.
While Saturday’s dismal display in the East Midlands was the worst the wide forward has produced, he’s ultimately scored just one goal across all competitions, and hasn’t been trusted by the Arsenal boss to play meaningful minutes when other players have been fit.
Despite all this, Fabrizio Romano has revealed via GiveMeSport that Arsenal are yet to make a decision regarding Sterling’s future.
It’s understood that there is no buy option included in the ex-Liverpool man’s loan deal, although given how he’s fared in North London, Chelsea would likely happily sanction his departure to Arsenal.
Romano claims that the Gunners are focusing on the remainder of the season, and aren’t weighing up whether to pursue a permanent deal for Sterling at this moment in time.
Arsenal should definitely not sign Raheem Sterling permanently
On Saturday, Sterling managed more offsides than shots, dribbles and key passes combined, in what was an abject showing.
Sterling has impressed on a few occasions this term, but looking at his season holistically, he’s very clearly not at the requisite level anymore.
He’s lost the initial burst that made him so dangerous in his prime, while his elite output in the final third is evidently something of the past.
Managing just three goal contributions in 19 appearances in all competitions, Sterling has entered a period of decline in his career, which isn’t unusual for a winger in their early 30s.
Arsenal are currently only paying a third of the Kingston-born man’s wages, but would have to cover the entirety of his salary if they were to acquire him permanently.
If he continues this poor form, it’s likely that the club won’t opt to sign Sterling, although the fact that this hasn’t been ruled out as a possibility is slightly concerning.
The Gunners need to cut ties and find a new, young and dynamic winger in the summer.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
