On reflection, Arsenal’s deal to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea on deadline day last summer is now widely ridiculed.
At the time, the jury was out somewhat, some thought Arsenal had pulled off an opportunistic bargain grabbing Raheem Sterling at the eleventh hour.
Chelsea were paying a large part of the winger’s wages and Arsenal were very happy with their Sterling deal.
However, the winger never really looked too comfortable at the Emirates, even if he was a popular figure in N5 and a brilliant example to the players around him.
But when referencing the transfer window ahead, Arsenal fans will often protest that they need to avoid another ‘last minute Sterling deal’, even if he is still well regarded in north London.
Arsenal don’t regret their deal for Raheem Sterling last summer
That being said, Graeme Bailey has provided an interesting insight into how Arsenal now reflect on their deal for Sterling.
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey said that Arsenal still look back on their Sterling loan very positively, even if that might surprise one or two Gunners fans.
But either way, it’s clear that Arsenal are making significant changes in their transition from Edu Gaspar to new sporting director Andrea Berta, something Bailey explains.
Asked if Arsenal regretted the Sterling deal, he replied: “I think at the time they looked at it as a good deal presented to them, and Arsenal did it.
“I think Arsenal saw the Sterling deal as a sign that the process was working, something emerged on the last day — is it possible? Can they get it done? And they did.
Raheem Sterling during a Champions League match for Arsenal
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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“On reflection, I think the move is only seen as a positive one, I don’t think anyone at Arsenal thought they were bringing in the Raheem Sterling of four or five years ago.
“He came in and did a job for them, even if it didn’t really work out. But Arsenal got the deal done and I believe they do take the positives from that.
Bailey then continued: “Arsenal have wanted to move on from the way the system worked under Edu.
“They wanted their decision process to be more of a committee, ‘joined up thinking’ was the term used to me — not to say that Edu’s thinking was disjointed.
“Edu was more singular-minded, he was something like a figurehead, whereas Berta is used to a more collective process at Atletico and he’s bringing that to Arsenal now.”
Who is the right winger to replace Raheem Sterling at Arsenal?
With a lot more time to plan this summer, Berta is expected to chase a significant upgrade on Sterling.
Berta isn’t extending Sterling’s loan and Arsenal are monitoring Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid.
Arsenal will struggle to sign Nico Williams after recent revelations about the winger’s preference to play for Barcelona, something Berta will have been aware of.
But otherwise, there’s not an awful lot of wingers on the market who are a definite upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.
And in truth, Rodrygo’s arrival might hurt Myles Lewis-Skelly’s progress somewhat, who might have to adjust his style of inverting into midfield.
It’s a difficult situation to get right, but Berta has been brought in to do exactly that.
And whilst Arsenal still reflect on their Sterling deal fondly, they need to do a lot better this summer.