I'm really worried about him: Mikel Arteta has concerns about one Arsenal player and it's why he signed Raheem Sterling

Arsenal left it late but they eventually got a deadline day deal over the line to sign Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling on loan.

The Gunners hogged headlines in the final few hours of the transfer window after they emerged as late contenders to sign Raheem Sterling.

The 29-year-old winger had been informed that he would not play a part in Enzo Maresca’s first team this season and therefore needed to find a new club over the summer.

Sterling was offered to Manchester United as part of Chelsea’s talks to sign Jadon Sancho, but the Red Devils rejected the chance to sign the former Liverpool and Manchester City ace.

Arsenal pounced on the deal and completed a last-minute deal for the England international, who has taken a significant pay cut to join the North London side.

Real reason Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling

A few eyebrows were raised when Arsenal showed interest in Raheem Sterling as a new winger didn’t seem to be the top priority at The Emirates this summer.

But Sterling’s arrival allowed Arsenal to loan out Reiss Nelson to Fulham and ultimately upgrade the quality they have out wide.

Arsenal now have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard competing for a first-team spot on the left, while Sterling can provide competition for Bukayo Saka‘s spot.

According to The Independent, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was concerned about Saka’s fitness, hence the club’s move to sign Sterling.

The report states that Arteta has no concerns over Sterling’s fitness and the Spaniard is confident that he can fit into their system.

Arteta was more concerned about Saka’s fitness levels and was highly conscious about overusing his star winger.

Arsenal needed Bukayo Saka alternative

Saka made 47 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season and then started in all of England’s Euro 2024 games over the summer.

The 22-year-old only missed three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches last campaign, which is largely down to the fact that there was a huge drop in quality when he didn’t play.

The Gunners simply didn’t have a suitable back-up option for Saka, but Sterling’s late arrival this summer solves that problem.

With Arsenal wanting to compete on all fronts this season, it is essential that they have quality depth in every position.