Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal could be interested in signing outcast Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.
Sterling is exploring his options before next Friday’s transfer deadline after being informed that he does not feature in the plans of new manager Enzo Maresca. The 29-year-old’s number seven shirt has been allocated to new signing Pedro Neto, with Chelsea having been made clear he is free to leave Stamford Bridge.
A number of Premier League rivals have been linked with a swoop for Sterling, including Aston Villa and Arsenal. The Gunners are understood to be in the market for an additional forward option, having registered interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
Arteta knows Sterling well having worked with the 84-cap England international at Manchester City. Sterling scored 131 goals across seven seasons at the Etihad, winning four Premier League titles, and Arteta admits the player is someone he has ‘really strong feelings about’.
“My time with Raheem was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Aston Villa.
“He was unbelievable at the time we were together. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how they players think, how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.”
Last weekend, Sterling’s representatives released a statement after his exclusion from the Chelsea squad for their season-opener.
“Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years,” the statement read.
“He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.
“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and 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.
“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”
Sterling signed for Chelsea in a £47.5m deal from Manchester City in 2022 but has underwhelmed across two seasons at Stamford Bridge. He has scored 19 goals in 81 games and has not been selected for England since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Arsenal and Chelsea have conducted several deals despite their London rivalry, including the £65m transfer of Kai Havertz to the Emirates last summer.
