Arsenal are set to decline the chance to sign Raheem Sterling permanently next summer, with the club considering alternative targets.
Sterling signed on loan for Arsenal late in the summer transfer window, after being informed he did not feature in Chelsea’s plans. The 29-year-old reunited with ex-Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta in North London but has struggled to make an impact to date.
Sterling has featured for just 162 minute in the Premier League and Champions League, though did score his first goal for Arsenal during the Carabao Cup win over Bolton in September.
Barring an unforeseen upturn in performance, Arsenal are likely to decline the chance to sign Sterling on a permanent basis. Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has said the Gunners are assessing alternatives for the position, which could include Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghana international has started the season in good form for the Cherries and was an impressive performer as Bournemouth beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend.
Semenyo has three goals and an assist from eight Premier League appearances and leads the Premier League for shots (37). He also ranks sixth for successful take-ons in 2024/25.
The winger increased speculation surrounding a move by revealing this month that he was an Arsenal fan – in addition to outlining his European ambitions.
“I am an Arsenal fan,” Semenyo told The Athletic. “I don’t conflict the two with my job. It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it.
Asked whether joining a club like Arsenal was his ambition, Semenyo addeD: “Yeah, any team that plays Champions League, Europa [League]…that’s the aim.
“I know that’s not going to come with a click of my fingers, it’s going to take some time. It’s going to take goals. It’s going to take a lot of consistent performances. But I’ve worked all my life for that and I’m just going to continue working hard. That’s my mentality.”
