Raheem Sterling has finalized a loan move to Arsenal, ending his exile from Chelsea.
On transfer deadline day, the Gunners successfully signed Sterling from their London rivals, bringing an end to their search for a new attacker.
The transaction, which was concluded in the early hours of Saturday morning, includes no obligation to buy.
‘It’s an incredible sensation. It’s quite thrilling. “I’m buzzing,” remarked Sterling.
‘We kind of left it late, but it’s what I was looking for. Looking at everything, I’m like, ‘This is a wonderful fit for me’, and I’m so glad we got everything done.
Arsenal have sealed a season-long loan deal for Raheem Sterling late on deadline day
Sterling has joined the Gunners on a season-long loan, but there isn’t an obligation to buy
The England international underwent a medical at Arsenal late on Friday night before the move was confirmed.’I spoke with [sporting director] Edu, and I told him that you can see the actual camaraderie from Mikel’s time here, as well as the players’ journey.
‘You can see the yearning, and I keep saying it: the unity is something I want to be a part of.’
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca has informed Sterling that he has no future at the club. The club is currently seeking a new home for him.
In a statement, Chelsea said: “Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal.”
‘Raheem joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and has scored 19 goals in 81 games.
‘He will now spend the rest of the campaign at the Emirates. Good luck, Raheem.
On Thursday, Mail Sport reported that Arsenal had been offered Sterling and Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.
And on Friday afternoon, Arsenal made a bold move to formalise their interest in Sterling before finalising the deal.
Sterling’s £325,000-per-week earnings were also considered as a major impediment to his exit during the window. However, the two teams have agreed on how to split his income for the duration of the loan.
The 29-year-old will be reunited with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whom he previously worked with effectively at Manchester City.
Arteta and Sterling pictured in December 2019 when they were both employed by Man City
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made it obvious that Sterling is not in his plans this season.
Meanwhile, Sancho will replace Sterling at Stamford Bridge when he completes a loan deal from Manchester United, where he fell out of favour with head coach Erik ten Hag following their well publicized feud.
The former Borussia Dortmund player is expected to join the London club on loan with an option to buy. According to sources, the permanent acquisition price is approximately £23 million.