Which number will Raheem Sterling wear in the North London Derby after the international break? Here’s the latest update:
Last Friday, on transfer deadline day, Arsenal had a particularly hectic day. The key move was acquiring Raheem Sterling from Chelsea for £29 million.
Mikel Arteta had been searching for a new winger throughout the summer to complement Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Just before the deadline, Arteta managed to secure Sterling, with whom he previously worked at Manchester City.
Sterling is joining Arsenal on a straight loan with no obligation or option to buy. While the Gunners weren’t initially focused on Sterling, Arteta seized the opportunity when it arose late in the transfer window.
Although many details about this transfer are already known, Arsenal fans are still eager to find out which number Sterling will wear this season.
Currently, the numbers 10 and 14 are taken by Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, respectively, who both left this summer. Numbers 13, 16, and 21 are available.
There have been speculations that Sterling might don the iconic number 10 shirt this season, previously worn by stars like Mesut Ozil, Emile Smith Rowe, Jack Wilshere, Robin Van Persie, and Dennis Bergkamp.
With Raheem Sterling donning the number 10 shirt, Mikel Arteta is showing significant confidence in him for the season ahead.
Sterling could make his debut for Arsenal next weekend in the North London Derby. Gabriel Martinelli has struggled early in the season, and Leandro Trossard had a poor performance against Brighton. Wearing the Arsenal number 10, Sterling’s first major opportunity will come in this high-profile match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand suggested that Arteta might consider resting Bukayo Saka to make way for Sterling. Although Saka may not be pleased with this idea, it could ultimately benefit him.
On transfer deadline day, Arsenal made headlines by securing Sterling on a one-season loan. This move followed Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, indicating that Sterling would have limited playing time this season.
Sterling expressed his excitement about joining Arsenal, indicating his enthusiasm for the move. In a YouTube video, Ferdinand discussed how Sterling could enhance Arsenal’s title prospects. He suggested that Arteta might give Saka a break, considering Sterling’s potential to invigorate the team.
Ferdinand hopes this loan will rejuvenate Sterling, allowing Saka to rest and recover. With Sterling’s Premier League experience, Ferdinand believes he will add significant value to Arsenal’s attack and contribute to their title challenge.
Ferdinand also highlighted the positive impact Sterling’s arrival could have on the team’s morale and motivation. Now, Arteta will need to find the right balance to maximize the team’s performance in what promises to be a competitive Premier League season.
