Micah Richards says Raheem Sterling does ‘one thing’ that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard can’t do

Raheem Sterling is expected to bring something new to Arsenal this season.

Arsenal sealed a deal to sign Raheem Sterling on Transfer Deadline Day.

Sterling joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the final stages of the summer transfer window, having been made available by the Blues.

The Gunners were linked with many attackers throughout the summer, as Mikel Arteta desperately needed to bolster his options in that part of the pitch.

Sterling will now compete for minutes with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks at the Emirates Stadium.

Micah Richards highlights attributes of Arsenal ace Raheem Sterling

Micah Richards feels that Sterling will bring an attribute to the Arsenal squad that was previously lacking from Arteta’s group.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: “The one thing he has more than anyone is the timing of his runs, he will get more chances.

“So if you look at Martinelli, very good dribbler; you look at Trossard, really good finisher, can change a game with his composure in front of goal.

“But Raheem has got pace and he can run in behind, and the timing of his runs are really good, so I think he could be a really good signing, as long as he buys into everything that Arteta wants to do.”

The 29-year-old has not been at his best in recent seasons, having failed to ever consistently impress at Stamford Bridge.

However, Arteta is convinced he can help Sterling get back to his best. Certainly, the Spanish coach knows exactly what the 82-cap England international has to offer, having working with him previously at Manchester City.

Sterling has praised Arteta’s coaching himself in the past, and the duo’s reunion in North London could reap huge rewards for Arsenal and the player.

How Sterling’s arrival will impact Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard at Arsenal

Sterling is unlikely to immediately slot into Arteta’s side as a nailed-on starter. Certainly, the right winger berth belongs to Saka, and the newcomer will only offer additional cover in that part of the pitch.

However, on the opposite flank, where Trossard and Martinelli are vying for the starting berth, Sterling will sense an opportunity to force his way up the pecking order.

If he is successful in that endeavour, then that could impact Trossard and Martinelli’s future at Arsenal.

Arsenal recently rejected a bid for Trossard, but if he sees his game time significantly reduced as a result of Sterling’s arrival then he could soon push for an exit.