Raheem Sterling to Arsenal? Why Mikel Arteta Is Urged to Reject the Deal and Stick to Golden Rule
Arsenal have been urged to avoid signing Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, despite the winger’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has advised manager Mikel Arteta to steer clear of the move, highlighting concerns about Sterling’s age, inconsistency, and potential inability to further improve his game at this stage in his career.
Sterling, who turns 30 in December, was surprisingly left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad for their opening Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
This exclusion, coupled with a statement from his representatives expressing surprise and seeking clarity, has fueled speculation that Sterling could be on his way out of Chelsea before the transfer window closes.
While Arsenal might be in need of additional depth on the wings, Petit argues that Sterling does not fit the profile of the players Arteta typically targets.
Arteta is known for prioritizing younger, developing talent, and although he has made exceptions in the past, Petit suggests that Sterling’s inconsistency and need for improvement in areas like his final ball and goal-scoring should be enough to deter the Gunners from making a move.
Petit emphasized that Arteta’s focus should remain on acquiring young and hungry players who have room to grow, rather than investing in someone who may not provide long-term value to the squad.
Despite Sterling’s past success at Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, Petit believes that the winger’s best years might be behind him, making him a less attractive option for a club like Arsenal that is building for the future.
Ultimately, whether Arsenal will consider breaking their unwritten rule of targeting younger players for someone like Sterling remains to be seen.
However, Petit’s comments suggest that doing so may not align with the long-term vision Arteta has for the team.
Raheem Sterling to Arsenal? Why Mikel Arteta Is Urged to Reject the Deal and Stick to Golden Rule
