The Gunners added Riccardo Calafiori to their squad at the end of July, bolstering their defensive ranks enormously.
Meanwhile, Mikel Merino is a major reinforcement in Arsenal’s midfield, while Neto and Raheem Sterling have replaced Aaron Ramsdale and Reiss Nelson in goal and in attack respectively
Sterling’s Arsenal arrival on loan from Chelsea was arguably the biggest story on transfer deadline day.
The England international, one of the Premier League’s standout players in recent years, moved across London to join the title-chasing Gunners.
Now, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has given his verdict on the England international’s switch from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium.
Chris Sutton feels Raheem Sterling will have a ‘real point to prove’ at Arsenal
Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (2/9/2024, 8:18pm), said he feels Sterling will have a “real point to prove” after the manner of his departure from SW6.
The former Chelsea striker also said Arsenal needed to strengthen their flanks, and Sterling’s arrival certainly does that.
“I would like to think that he will go to Arsenal and because of what has happened at Chelsea that he will feel that he has a real point to prove,” said Sutton.
“If Arsenal did have to make additions to the squad, then I think the wide areas is the areas where they possibly did need a bit more strength and he provides that.”
Sutton on whether Chelsea were right to offload Sterling
Sutton also feels Enzo Maresca did the right thing in moving Sterling on, as he simply wasn’t in his plans.
“I am actually with Maresca,” he said. “He had a choice to make and he has made it.
“I don’t actually mind the choice that he has made. It’s as he sees it. He didn’t see him fit for Chelsea, so letting him go to Arsenal isn’t a big deal.”
Why Arsenal have struck gold with Sterling deal
During the transfer window, there was talk of Arsenal needing to strengthen their wide positions and bring in cover for Bukayo Saka.
The Hale End graduate has had to put up with a hefty workload since establishing himself on the right side of attack.
Now, Sterling’s arrival gives Mikel Arteta an option to replace Saka without a drop-off in quality.
The 82-cap England international can also be deployed on the left flank and can even play up front if needed.
Arteta worked with Sterling at Manchester City, so the Arsenal manager knows exactly what he’s getting from the Chelsea loanee.
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