It came as a bit of a surprise when Raheem Sterling left Chelsea last summer to join London rivals Arsenal on a season-long loan.
Raheem Sterling, who signed for Chelsea in 2022, spent a couple of years as a regular at Stamford Bridge. However, the experienced 30-year-old winger moved to the Emirates Stadium last summer.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca didn’t want Sterling to leave Chelsea on loan at the start of the season, but he explained there simply wasn’t room for everyone to stay in his squad.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
Raheem Sterling doesn’t feel frozen out at Arsenal like he did at Chelsea
So far this season, Sterling has struggled to make a serious impression at the Emirates Stadium, largely because he can’t break into the best XI. He’s only started nine of his 22 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners.
The latest speculation suggests that the English attacker is still a popular figure at Arsenal, though.
According to The Sun, Sterling is highly rated and respected by Arsenal’s coaching staff because of his great professionalism and work ethic.
It is understood that he’s been a great mentor for the younger teammates. Plus, he’s built up a great connection with the club’s staff around the training ground.
The report claims that Sterling has never felt frozen out at Arsenal like he did at Chelsea despite his lack of starts. In fact, his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta is described as ‘great’ and ‘honest’.
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In terms of Sterling’s future, The Sun adds that the player is calm despite there being no conversations from Arsenal or Chelsea at this stage about what will happen in the summer.
It’s been claimed that Inter Miami may be interested in signing Sterling if they receive encouragement that a deal may be possible.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
How Raheem Sterling’s form compares from 2023/24 season to 2024/25 season
Even though Sterling wasn’t a fan favourite at Chelsea, the winger was much more productive in front of goal than his Arsenal loan so far.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 12 0 1
Champions League 5 0 0
Carabao Cup 4 1 1
FA Cup 1 0 0
Raheem Sterling for Arsenal in the 2024/25 season
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 31 8 4
FA Cup 6 1 3
Carabao Cup 6 1 1
Raheem Sterling for Chelsea in the 2023/24 season
Speaking in February, Arteta insisted Arsenal needed Sterling to step up and be an important player for them. We’re yet to see to many signs of that happened yet, though.
In theory, Sterling has had a glorious opportunity to establish himself recently because of injuries to star Gunners wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, but he’s struggling to hit anywhere near his best.