Featured Image Credit: Instagram / Twitter/@now_arsenal / Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Fan Reactions
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Fan Reactions
Arsenal fans are concerned that sporting director Edu may have 'leaked' Mikel Arteta's tactics in a video confirming the loan signing of Raheem Sterling.
Sterling signed for Arsenal from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with the deal being confirmed after 1am on Saturday morning.
He will spend the season on loan at the Emirates Stadium, with it being claimed that there is no option to buy as part of the deal.
Sterling was in desperate need of first team football after being told by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca that he would not be part of his 25-man Premier League squad.
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Speaking after the move was completed, Sterling said in a short video: "People like to talk, don't they? So do I.
"I'll say this - you're about to see the best of me."
After the transfer was completed, Edu posted a one-minute video to Instagram in which he acknowledged the key personnel that had helped to get the deal over the line at close to midnight.
But fans spotted that a series of notes had been written on a whiteboard in the background of the shot.
The wall featured a series of diagrams, as well as a list of young players underneath the heading of 'Loans'.
The list included midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is currently on loan at Sevilla, and winger Marquinhos, who is at Brazilian side Fluminense.
Fans reacted to the clip on Twitter, with one writing: "No way Edu accidentally showed the wall with a transfer mind map."
A second asked: "Anyone else seeing that 24-25 squad bit?"
But a third responded by saying: "Baited you say? Not against Mikel Arteta, my friend... he will give you the game plan and still beat you."
Sterling is not eligible to face Brighton on Saturday afternoon, as his signing was not completed before the 12pm deadline on Friday to enable him to be registered.
The 29-year-old has, however, been spotted at the Emirates Stadium watching his new team-mates in action.