The details surrounding Raheem Sterling’s season-long loan move from Chelsea to Arsenal have emerged following his deadline day move.
After being informed he was no longer part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the 2024/25 season, Raheem Sterling has been heavily linked with leaving Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old winger, reportedly earning around £300,000 per week at Chelsea, was initially open to joining his boyhood club, Manchester United.
However, late on Friday, Sterling signed a season-long loan deal with Arsenal, who were last season’s Premier League runners-up. Sterling expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting. It [the move] is one where we kind of left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just like, ‘this is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”
Sterling also praised Arsenal’s unity and the journey they are on, stating, “I spoke with [sporting director] Edu, and you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here and the journey the boys are on. You can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of.”
It has since been revealed that Arsenal will cover less than 50% of Sterling’s salary for the duration of his loan, with no loan fee involved, according to The Athletic. This revelation has sparked reactions from fans on social media, with some criticizing the negotiations and questioning the deal’s fairness.
A fourth person remarked, “No loan fee and we’re still covering half his wages to bolster a league rival—I’d love to understand what Winstanley and Stewart see as the benefit of this deal.”
A fifth commenter said, “Chelsea is getting taken advantage of! No loan fee and still paying half of Sterling’s wages? This deal is terrible for the Blues. They’re essentially funding Arsenal’s push for the title.”
Last week, Mikel Arteta discussed his “exceptional” relationship with Sterling, who was at Manchester City during Arteta’s time as assistant manager. “We built a really strong relationship. He was outstanding during that period,” Arteta said. “He taught me a lot about individuals, how players think, and how to support them. I have very strong feelings for him.”
