Arsenal has reached a decision about Raheem Sterling’s future at the club. The decision comes after careful consideration of various factors surrounding the player’s potential role and contribution to the team.
Arsenal has reportedly decided not to make Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea a permanent one at the end of the 2024/25 season. According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the club has no intention of signing the 30-year-old winger when his current loan deal expires, meaning Sterling will return to Chelsea, who will then make a decision about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The decision comes after a mixed spell at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta reportedly disappointed by Sterling’s overall impact on the team. Although there have been flashes of brilliance, such as a goal and assist during Arsenal’s League Cup run and a brace of assists in their Champions League knockout match against PSV Eindhoven, these moments have been too infrequent for Arteta to consider a permanent transfer.
At the time of his loan move, it was understood that Sterling’s transfer was always intended as a temporary arrangement, with no clause in the contract allowing Arsenal the option to make the deal permanent. However, last summer, there were suggestions that if Sterling performed well during his time at the club, Arsenal might explore making the move permanent, particularly since Chelsea appeared eager to offload the experienced winger.
Sterling has made 24 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season but has only started in 11 matches, contributing six goals and assists. These numbers, while not terrible, are below the expectations that Arsenal might have had when bringing him in. Despite his occasional flashes of skill, such as his involvement in crucial cup competitions, Sterling’s inconsistency on the pitch has led Arteta to shift his focus to other potential summer signings.
Sterling’s suspension for Arsenal’s recent Champions League clash against Real Madrid, due to a third yellow card in the competition, further highlights the limited role he has played in the team’s European ambitions. With the Champions League now his last realistic chance of silverware in North London, Sterling’s future at the club seems uncertain, and it appears Arsenal will look elsewhere in their pursuit of new talent for the next season.
As Sterling returns to Chelsea, the club will likely reassess his role in the squad, and Arsenal’s decision not to pursue a permanent deal indicates that their priorities are shifting towards other targets.
