'I think we built a really strong relationship' - Mikel Arteta shares his thought on Raheem Sterling joining Arsenal

Raheem Sterling, a striker for Chelsea, completed his late transfer to Premier League rivals Arsenal on transfer deadline day. The 29-year-old and Mikel Arteta's team have agreed on a season-long loan. The England international was informed that Enzo Maresca, the new Chelsea manager, did not have him in his plans.

Sterling arrived from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022, making 81 appearances and scoring 19 goals for Chelsea. The former player for Liverpool was among the first to arrive at Stamford Bridge when Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali assumed co-control. Nevertheless, under Maresca, he was not included in the first team despite making 43 appearances for the squad in all competitions the previous season.

Although a reunion seemed improbable, Sterling developed a friendship with Mikel Arteta during their time together at Manchester City. When Sancho had to make way for Chelsea and Nelson was also a target for other Premier League teams, England international Sterling was left hoping that Arsenal would step in.

With four Premier League championships and eighty-two caps for England, Raheem Sterling gives this team even more experience in crucial situations. Seen it, experienced it, and done it. Towards the conclusion of the season, Sterling's expertise and experience can lead his teammates to success. 

“My time with him was exceptional, I think we built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we worked together. He’s someone that I really have strong feelings about,” Mikel Arteta said in the press conference.

Raheem Sterling will provide Arsenal with more attacking option

Given that Leandro Trossard has so far shown to be more effective coming off the bench and Gabriel Martinelli, who Sterling led in goal involvements the previous season, is unreliable, Sterling might quickly establish himself as a starter on the left. After Arteta lost Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe to Crystal Palace and Fulham, respectively, this summer, Sterling will provide Arteta with additional alternatives on the left side of Arsenal's attack alongside players like Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard. Additionally, he can protect Bukayo Saka's right side when necessary.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's next match is today against Brighton but Raheem Sterling won't be able to play today's match and has to wait until the Tottenham Hotspur game to get register for Arsenal.