Expert: Arsenal 'concerned' about Sterling after 'shocking' Chelsea latest

19/02/2025 11:28

Arsenal have been concerned about Raheem Sterling’s level of performance both on and off the pitch since his arrival on loan from Chelsea.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta had hoped to get the best out of the 30-year-old.

However, there are now worries that he may be “over the hill” in terms of his career unless he can step up his displays in the closing stages of the season.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in November that Arteta had not been impressed with the former England international amid concerns about his performances in training.

Sterling has been trusted to start just four Premier League games this season, but an injury crisis has heightened his importance in their front three.

Injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have left Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri as the only attacking options.

That attacking trio was chosen to start the game against relegation-battling Leicester, but failed to find a breakthrough until the former England man was withdrawn.

Chelsea ‘knew what they were doing’ in Raheem Sterling sale

Sterling joined Arsenal from Chelsea on deadline day in the summer, with the loan deal initially coming as a surprise to many as he was tipped for success at the Emirates.

Brown explained that his departure from Stamford Bridge was a “shockingly clever” decision by the Chelsea hierarchy, who “knew what they were doing”.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the Blues were already aware of his decline in abilities and were smart to move him on.

“Shockingly, it was a clever piece of business from Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s not often to can accuse them of being shrewd in the transfer market, but they were with him.

“Something in the background must’ve flagged for them, because they got him out quickly.

“You thought at the time it would be a move that suits Sterling and suits Arsenal, but you wondered why Chelsea would allow that deal given their own problems.

“Now, it’s become clear they knew what they were doing.

“It’s been evident since his move to Arsenal that there are a few concerns in the background.

“Firstly, he hasn’t been playing regularly, which always raises questions about why because Arteta thought he could get the best out of him.

“But when he has played, he’s been well below the level expected and required of him in that team.

“It may well be that he’s gone over the top fitness-wise and in terms of the stage of his career.

“His performance levels have been frightening really, and he needs to step up at this stage of the season because otherwise who knows where he’ll end up.”

Arsenal boss backed to experiment after Raheem Sterling axe

Sterling’s withdrawal during the Premier League clash with Leicester saw him replaced by Mikel Merino, who went on to score both goals in the 2-0 win.

Given the lack of options available to Arteta, the midfielder was utilised in a makeshift striker role which ultimately turned out to be a masterstroke from the boss.

Football Insider reported on 18 February that Arsenal fans are now calling for the Spaniard to play a more regular role up front amid their injury issues.

Prior to the Leicester clash, Merino had scored just two goals all season, but his clever movement and instinctive finishing at the King Power has earned high praise from many.

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The post Expert: Arsenal 'concerned' about Sterling after 'shocking' Chelsea latest appeared first on Football Insider.