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Topics: Raheem Sterling, Arsenal, Chelsea, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams
Topics: Raheem Sterling, Arsenal, Chelsea, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has insisted there is "no way" that Raheem Sterling could make it into Arsenal's team, amid transfer rumours linking him to the Emirates.
Sterling joined Chelsea last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth £47.5million.
The 28-year-old enjoyed an incredibly successful seven seasons at the Etihad, scoring 131 goals and winning four league titles.
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However, he has struggled to translate his form to Stamford Bridge, managing just four goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
The arrival of several new players, including winger Mykhailo Mudryk has also limited his first team action, with a summer move potentially on the cards.
Meanwhile, north London has emerged as his potential destination, with Mikel Arteta reportedly keen on signing the England international.
However, ex Aston Villa and Tottenham talisman Bent has insisted there is "no way" Sterling would make it into Arsenal's starting 11.
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Indeed, the league leaders' current wide men Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have scored an impressive 21 league goals between them this season.
Responding to a caller on talkSPORT who suggested Sterling would ‘walk into’ the Arsenal team, Bent replied: ‘That’s ridiculous.
"How does he walk into a side who are top of the Premier League? All the front-three are playing well. Martinelli is Arsenal’s joint-top goalscorer.
"Looking at Raheem Sterling’s form this season, he doesn’t walk into Arsenal’s front-three, no way. Arsenal’s front-three are flying. We’re not talking about a peak Sterling here.
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"Arsenal’s forwards are flying. Sterling doesn’t make Arsenal stronger right now, Arsenal’s current front-three are playing better than Sterling.
"Martinelli and Saka are playing really well, better than Sterling. So why would you change that?"
According to 90min, Arteta is interested in signing Sterling next summer, in preparation for Arsenal's likely involvement in the Champions League next season.
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The Gunners have not featured in Europe's elite competition since 2017, and barring an almighty slip up, they are all but guaranteed a top four finish this season.
The report states that Arteta is keen to add players with Champions League experience to his ranks, with Sterling believed to be on the club’s watchlist.
The Gunners boss is allegedly a “huge fan” of the player, having worked with him at Manchester City. Whilst the Spaniard is thought to admire Sterling’s versatility in attack.