Chelsea transfer news: Raheem Sterling joins Arsenal on loan

€35m market value 

Following a dramatic end to the summer transfer window, Chelsea star Raheem Sterling has completed a deal to join Arsenal on loan for the duration of the 24/25 season. After apparent interest from Manchester United, statements from Arsenal and Chelsea on Friday night confirmed that the former England international had agreed terms to join Mikel Arteta’s side. The deal comes shortly after Chelsea signed Pedro Neto and João Félix and less than a week after Sterling’s public statement of dissatisfaction at his position in Chelsea’s squad. It also now means that the winger is just the second player in Premier League history to play for four of the traditional ‘Big six’ clubs, alongside former Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka. Sterling spent 10 years in the north west, first at Liverpool, then Man City, where he won 10 major trophies, before he joined Chelsea in a €56.2 million deal two years ago.

The move comes off the back of a decision by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca to leave Sterling out of their Premier League opener against Man City,  which promoted Sterling’s camp to release a statement saying: “He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach. Given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity. We have always had positive dialogue with Chelsea in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.” Sterling has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 games for Chelsea since joining from Man City in 2022.

While Chelsea may have more than enough options on either wing, Arteta’s own squad isn’t blessed with as much depth in attacking positions. And there’s little doubt that Sterling joins the north London club as a much-needed source of goals and assists, as well as experience in winning league titles in the English top-flight. Over the course of his 379 games in the Premier League, Sterling has played on the left wing 178 times, the right wing 131 times and either as a centre forward or second striker on no less than 66 occasions. As such, the former England international can fill in for Bukayo Saka on the right, Gabriel Martinelli on the left or even as a centre forward if Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz are either injured or out of form. Prior to his arrival, Arteta’s only option off the bench was typically Leandro Trossard. And considering that Sterling has won four league titles during his time at Man City, there’s no denying that having him as an option off the bench will bolster Arteta’s squad this season.