Raheem Sterling reveals why he’s been closely ‘watching’ Arsenal boss Arteta since he left Man City

Raheem Sterling has begun a new chapter in his career, as he joined Arsenal on Transfer Deadline Day.

Raheem Sterling and Mikel Arteta have now been reunited at Arsenal.

Arsenal signed Sterling on loan late on Transfer Deadline Day, by which point Chelsea were clearly desperate to offload the 29-year-old winger.

Due to the Blues’ circumstances, sporting director Edu could negotiate a great deal for Arsenal. The financial terms of Sterling’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium mean that there was no loan fee included and the Gunners are paying less than 50% of his wages.

Arsenal needed to add some strength in depth to their attacking contingent, and Sterling will now offer cover and competition for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.

Whilst the 82-cap England international won’t come in as an immediate starter, he certainly has the capacity to force his way into Arteta’s team.

Whilst Sterling may not have had the best time of things at Chelsea, and struggled to impress on a consistent basis, it ought not be forgotten how talented a player he is. Arteta will certainly remember his quality.

Raheem Sterling has been monitoring Mikel Arteta

Sterling and Arteta have worked together before, when they were both employed by Manchester City. The attacker was key player in Pep Guardiola’s squad for many seasons, whilst the Arsenal manager used to work as an assistant coach at the Etihad Stadium.

Sterling has praised Arteta’s coaching style in the past, and produced some of the best football of his career when he was working closely with the Spaniard in the North West.

Now, the pair are working together once again, a prospect that Sterling has been looking forward to.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website, he said of Arteta: “He’s a top guy, a top character. I’ve been watching his journey, of course because I spent some time with him at City.

“To see him coming here and stamp his mark on this amazing football club with amazing history it says a lot about him. You can see what a great job he’s doing here.”

What Arteta will need from Sterling at Arsenal

Arteta believes he can get Sterling back to his best, and remains convinced that there is still plenty that the four-time Premier League winner has to offer.

However, Sterling will need to buy in to the Arsenal way and Arteta’s demands. He will need to accept that despite being a big name, and having already enjoyed a glittering career up to now, he will have to fight his way up the pecking order in North London.

He will also be expected to press, track back, and work extremely hard off the ball, whilst making sure to use his pace and make runs in behind the opposition defence when the Gunners are in possession.