Thiago Sterling has signed for Arsenal’s academy (Picture: Instagram)
Raheem Sterling has had an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal but will remain linked to the club as son Thiago has joined the Gunners’ academy.
The England international’s oldest son has signed up to join the Hale End academy at just eight years old.
Paige Milian, Sterling’s partner and Thiago’s mother, posted the news on Instagram, writing: ‘Beyond proud of my first born son Thiago for signing with @officialarsenalacademy U9’s.
‘The growth, dedication, and hard work you’ve shown over the past year has been incredible to watch, you’ve earned this.
‘This is just the beginning so keep your feet on the ground, stay humble, and keep grinding, the journey doesn’t stop here. Let’s go TT.’
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Thiago Sterling will hope to follow the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly through the ranks at Arsenal in the years to come.
While he will now remain very interested in the club, Raheem is set to leave Arsenal at the end of his current loan spell after a disappointing time on the pitch in north London.
Raheem Sterling and partner Paige Milian with Thiago (Picture: Instagram)
After two years at Chelsea it was made clear to the 30-year-old that he was no longer in the first team plans and would have extremely limited opportunities under Enzo Maresca.
It appeared that he had found the ideal move in a loan switch to Arsenal, where he would challenge for a spot in the first team at a side competing for titles.
Sterling would go on to make seven Premier League starts and 17 top flight appearances in total, failing to score in any of them.
He made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring just once in the Carabao Cup and showing only very brief glimpses of his best form.
Arsenal v PSV - UEFA Champions League
Sterling has had a very forgettable spell with Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)
His future is now unclear as Arsenal will not be interested in making the move permanent and the chances of Sterling returning to the Chelsea first team are very remote.
Having previously played for Manchester City and Liverpool, it now looks likely that the winger faces a step down in the size of club he will be playing for.
Sterling does not turn 31 years old until December but has racked up a huge amount of experience, making 577 professional appearances since his debut as a 17-year-old for Liverpool in 2012.
He has also won 82 caps for England, scoring 20 goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since 2022.
Another man who has played for both Chelsea and Arsenal has suggested Fulham as a logical next stop in the career of Sterling.
Nottingham Forest FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Sterling will almost certainly be on the move this summer (Picture: Getty Images)
William Gallas told Genting Casino: ‘I think it’s time for a fresh challenge for Raheem Sterling. He has the chance to show what he could do at Chelsea and then Arsenal but it hasn’t happened.
‘He needs to go somewhere he will get more opportunities because even with some rotation at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta hasn’t given him that.
‘I think one of Arteta’s biggest mistakes has been a lack of rotation at times because they have picked up injuries.
‘You have to give players a rest at certain times, but with Sterling, he must be frustrated, maybe he will want to stay in the Premier League and in London.
‘He’s 30 now, but maybe a club like Fulham could give him that opportunity and more chances to play. I’m curious to see what happens next.’
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