Raheem Sterling Andrea Berta Arsenal
(Credit: Imago, @sterling7 on Instagram)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 5 May 2025 21:00, UK
Raheem Sterling hasn’t done enough at Arsenal to justify a permanent move to the Emirates this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Chelsea loanee’s season-long loan spell in North London hasn’t gone to plan, with one goal and five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions a disappointing return from Sterling at the Emirates.
Andrea Berta‘s first summer as the Gunners’ new sporting director is set to be a busy one, with Nuno Tavares one of up to 10 out-of-favour Arsenal players likely to seal permanent exits from the club.
Now, sources have told Football Insider that Arsenal have no plans to make Sterling’s loan move a permanent one, and that leaves the 30-year-old out of favour at Chelsea with a very uncertain future.
Football Insider sources have also been told that Berta is already under pressure to succeed in Arsenal‘s move for a striker this summer, and with Sterling on the way out, a wide forward is also on the shortlist.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has used Sterling sparingly at the Emirates this term (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Arsenal transfer plan clear after Raheem Sterling exit decision
While Sterling has been “left in the dark” over his future at Chelsea beyond this season, Arsenal’s stance on the ex-England man’s potential transfer has long since suggested that he’ll return to Stamford Bridge.
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Sources have told Football Insider that alongside Berta’s priority to sign a striker this summer, Real Sociedad talisman Martin Zubmendi looks increasingly likely to become Arsenal’s new midfield anchor.
A wide forward is next on the Gunners’ list with a goal to further bolster Mikel Arteta’s frontline, but the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri has left the Spaniard with much less reliance on the likes of Sterling.
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli
Sterling hasn’t been able to displace Gabriel Martinelli in the Arsenal side this season
Raheem Sterling upgrade likely at Arsenal
Sterling’s short-lived Arsenal career appears set to come to an unceremonious end this month with just three Premier League games left to play, and Arsenal’s attention will soon turn to the transfer window.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Arsenal could look to cash in on another one of their widemen, Gabriel Martinelli, in order to fund transfers in more pressing positions.
Arsenal were criticised last month for their three-pronged approach for Zubimendi, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Spain winger Nico Williams, but if the latter were to arrive at the Emirates, he could be a significant upgrade on both Sterling and even Martinelli on the left flank.
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