Mikel Arteta Hints At Raheem Sterling Plans For Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is bigging up Raheem Sterling’s appetite for success as the Arsenal boss faces calls to slot the Chelsea loanee into his first-team plans.

Sterling, who wasn’t initially on the Gunners’ wishlist, made a last-minute switch to the Emirates on deadline day from Chelsea, aiming to get back to his peak performance levels. Arteta, who previously coached the winger during their time together at Manchester City, witnessed Sterling’s golden era first-hand.

With Sterling potentially stepping into the starting line-up, it could mean Gabriel Martinelli making way – with Bukayo Saka being a shoo-in on the other wing. Martinelli’s recent form has seen a slump, giving Arteta more reason to consider his new options with the squad’s bolstered depth.

Arteta shared: “After 10 seconds I knew we had to bring him (to Arsenal) because he really wanted it, and that was my only question mark, what stage is he at in his career? But after 10 seconds I knew. He looks great. He has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy and he wants to prove a point.

When Arteta first mulled over the idea of nabbing Sterling for Arsenal, a phone call was all it took to convince him of the English forward’s worth, especially given Sterling’s fall from grace on the international stage.

“When someone has got that in their belly you sense it straight away. I don’t need to discuss his quality and what he can bring to the team,” reports the Mirror.

Raheem Sterling’s time at Chelsea, marred by a struggle to deliver top-notch performances, took a twist as he was axed from the squad for the Premier League curtain-raiser. It was under Enzo Maresca’s oversight that Sterling’s bleak future in West London was set in stone.

The 29-year-old is now battling for prominence in North London, with a cameo appearance during the dying minutes of the fiery derby. His substitution saw Martinelli make way with doubts over his form casting shadows on his usual starting place.

When quizzed about Martinelli’s place within the team, boss Arteta said: “We need wingers with the ability to go one vs one, to attack the spaces, to have the work rate, to increase the goal threat from every position.

“We have players who can play in various positions in the front line, especially because we have some injuries there. In the past, we have to be protected and all the players we have here have these qualities.”

The Brazilian has yet to break the net this term and also couldn’t clinch double digits in the goal tally last season following a dazzling performance in 2022/23. Gunners hotshot Leandro Trossard is also turning up the heat as one of the pivotal figures in the squad.