Raheem Sterling’s long-term saga away from Chelsea came to an end on the 30th of August as he was finally able to seal a move to London rivals Arsenal on a season-long loan.
Raheem Sterling is one of the prominent players in the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’, as reported earlier by Sportsbuddy, the Chelsea Bomb squad includes Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah, and Chilwell.
Looking at the positives of this deal, three things highlight why Chelsea could have potentially strengthened a title rival.
Raheem Sterling brings a wealth of experience to Arsenal’s attack, having played at the highest levels with Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and the England national team.
His journey through these elite clubs has seen him win numerous titles and accolades, making him a seasoned veteran who knows what it takes to succeed.
At Arsenal, his experience will be invaluable, especially for younger players like Gabriel Martinelli, who has struggled to replicate his stellar form from the 2022/2023 season.
Sterling’s presence could also push Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to elevate their performances, addressing the inconsistency Arsenal has faced on the left wing.
Versatility Across the Front Line
Sterling’s versatility is another significant asset for Arsenal. While primarily known as a left-winger, he has been deployed on the right wing and even as a false nine throughout his career.
This ability to play across multiple positions provides Mikel Arteta with tactical flexibility, especially with Bukayo Saka needing occasional rest.
With Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira departing, Sterling can cover various attacking roles, ensuring that Arsenal’s frontline remains potent and unpredictable.
Goal-Scoring Prowess
Sterling’s goal-scoring ability is well-documented, particularly during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 20+ goals in three consecutive seasons under Pep Guardiola.
His best season saw him net an impressive 31 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions.
This kind of output will add significant firepower to Arsenal’s attack, complementing their existing forwards.
Sterling’s knack for finding the back of the net could be the difference in tight matches, making him a crucial addition to an already formidable Arsenal team.
Rivals will need to be on high alert as the Gunners have added another potent weapon to their arsenal.