Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal on a season-long loan before the transfer window shut and isn’t likely to return to Chelsea. The 29-year-old had a public falling out with Enzo Maresca, who told him he had no future at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling’s team released a statement before Chelsea’s opening game, expressing dissatisfaction at being dropped from the matchday squad. Maresca’s response was brutal, saying Sterling won’t get any minutes and can’t help Chelsea this season.
‘It’s possible’ Sterling turns Arsenal move permanent
The England international should depart Stamford Bridge next summer, and Ben Jacobs believes Arsenal might become his new home. He told Give Me Sport: “It’s possible.
“Sterling is very excited by the Arsenal move, a player that Mikel Arteta knows well, and exactly the kind of signing that Arsenal have done in the past, where they’ve seen opportunism in the market.”
Sterling joins Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka at the Emirates, so Arsenal have depth out wide. Arsenal aren’t paying a loan fee and contribute 33% of his salary, so it’s low risk for them.
Chelsea will hope Sterling secures a permanent move, as they need to stay in line of profit and sustainability regulations. They’re likely to take a loss on what they spent two years ago, however.
Sterling has been an expensive flop at Chelsea
Chelsea paid £50m to sign Sterling from Manchester City in 2022. The 29-year-old has gone on to make 81 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals with 12 assists.
Sterling hasn’t hit the same heights at Chelsea like he did at City. He’s also taking home £325k-per-week/£16.9m-a-year in wages, so he’s been an expensive gamble that didn’t pay off.
Chelsea won’t get anywhere near £50m for Sterling, as Arsenal know the Blues are desperate to cash in. Sterling’s wages will drive his value down too, so Chelsea might accept a cut price to let him go permanently. It will all depend on his performances this season, but Sterling won’t want to return to Maresca.
