Raheem Sterling’s move to Arsenal has been met with huge fanfare and tonnes of mixed reactions as well. The 29-year-old’s loan transfer to the Emirates Stadium helped him avoid the jaws of death at Chelsea.
The West London club planned an exciting season with the English star with new manager Enzo Maresca keeping the winger in the majority of his starting XI in the preseason games.
The former Liverpool ace was also standing in the centre of the club sponsorship pictures, highlighting the names on the jersey. The Blues even posted Sterling’s new interview on their official website with a tag stating, ‘Leadership roles: A positive influence and setting standards.’
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When things looked so bright for the attacker ahead of a new season, how did the tables turn in a matter of a few weeks? Maresca decided to strip the player off his shirt number and let him train alone and away from the senior squad. It was made very clear—find a club and rot on the training ground.
Sterling in any case responded, stating that Chelsea will take a major hit by doing anything silly’s since they need to pay him £70 million in wages and bonuses across his three-year contract.
Chelsea offered Raheem Sterling to Saudi Pro League clubs this summer
As per the Mirror, Chelsea, with all their might, started offering the player to other European and Middle East clubs. They pitched the player to Saudi Arabian teams on Tuesday and Wednesday last week.
The Middle Eastern clubs were ready to double his current salary of £300k per week. However, Sterling didn’t want others to say that he left English football for money.
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The winger has set his sights on the 2026 World Cup campaign and solidified his position in the three Lions’ national squad. He also wanted to have a strong impact at Arsenal under Arteta.
The best is yet to come.
Welcome to north London, Raheem Sterling ✨ pic.twitter.com/K2YhkSepAp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2024
His experience winning titles with Manchester City is an asset. He is one of those unwanted players that left Stamford Bridge and continued to show their class in North London.
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Kai Havertz and Jorginho were commendable at the Emirates, and it’s time for Sterling to prove his worth. Chelsea have recently been hit with a blow when one of their former players, Mateo Kovacic, scored for Manchester City by running past their newly setup midfield in the Premier League.
Can Sterling haunt them in a similar way?
