3 reasons why Arsenal should make a move for Raheem Sterling

Manchester City have been blessed with some of the world’s most destructive performers during their reign of dominance under Pep Guardiola.

Sergio Aguero cemented himself as the fourth-leading goalscorer in Premier League history, Kevin De Bruyne is regarded by many as the world’s best midfielder, while the likes of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Leroy Sane have contributed their fair share of magic. 

But without Raheem Sterling, “everything we [City] have done in the past… would not have been possible,” Guardiola said back in 2021.

The England international has been imperative to the Cityzens’ success under their all-time great coach, yet the club are seemingly willing to part ways with him this summer despite his contribution to another Premier League title in 2021/22. Sterling scored 13 times and added six assists while registering his lowest minutes haul in the league since 2015/16.

The continued rise of Foden and Guardiola’s fetish for rotation saw Sterling’s influence dwindle at various points last season, and the player is believed to be open to a move away this summer as he enters the final year of his deal.

3 reasons why Arsenal should make a move for Raheem Sterling

Chelsea are the current frontrunners for his signature, but the Blues aren’t understood to be advanced in their pursuit. Thus, the door is still very much open for other potential suitors to manifest.

Here are three reasons why Arsenal should make a play for Sterling.

1. Established Premier League performer

Sterling’s only 27, but his lengthy Premier League career, one that began under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool as a teenager, gives you the impression that the Englishman is reaching the twilight of his career.

Far from it. The City man’s entering his prime.

Sterling overcame the pressure of his big-money move to the Etihad to eventually blossom into one of Europe’s most prolific wingers. He registered 18, 17 and 20-Premier League goal hauls in three consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2020 as City lifted two titles.

His maturation under Pep Guardiola thrust him into a realm that many didn’t think he’d ever reach while Manuel Pellegrini was still at the club, and he’s gone on to score 91 goals for City in the Premier League.

Sterling is as established as they come, and his arrival would be hugely beneficial for Arsenal’s exciting young wide players – even if he initially steals some of their minutes. I’d love to see the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka hone their craft under Sterling’s tutelage.

In short, the England international would be a game-changing arrival for the Gunners.

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