Arsenal unveil Raheem Sterling with odd squad number

Raheem Sterling will not be the latest star to don the lucrative #10 shirt at Arsenal, with the club confirming their latest addition will wear the number 30 during the 2024/25 season.

Arsenal concluded their summer transfer window by adding Sterling on a season-long loan after the Englishman was cast aside by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Sterling previously starred under Mikel Arteta while the Spaniard served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, with the winger describing his move to Arsenal as the "perfect fit" as he seeks to rejuvenate his career following an indifferent spell in west London.

He wouldn't be the first Chelsea star to rediscover their most potent form at the Emirates having been discarded by the Blues.

Raheem Sterling takes #30 shirt at Arsenal

Once his signing was confirmed late on deadline day, there were suggestions that Sterling would take the vacant #10 shirt following the exit of Emile Smith Rowe.

However, Arsenal have confirmed the loanee's number for the 2024/25 campaign - and it's not the illustrious #10. Sterling will be wearing the less lucrative #30 previously worn by back-up goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Sterling could've opted for #14, #16, #21 and any of the numbers between #24 and #28, but has instead ventured into the thirties. Chu-young Park, Ryo Miyaichi, and Armand Traore are among the Gunners icons to don Sterling's new shirt.

Ultimately, though, Sterling's stint in north London will not be defined by the two figures on his back. The 29-year-old has a real chance of rejuvenation under a coach he doubtlessly appreciates, and he'll be desperate to prove a long list of people wrong at Chelsea, namely Maresca.

"The best is yet to come," Sterling asserted after his arrival, and he may well get the chance to make a huge early impression in the North London Derby on 15 September.

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