In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal have officially announced Raheem Sterling’s shirt number after the winger’s loan move from Chelsea on transfer deadline day. The former Manchester City and Liverpool attacker was harshly ousted from the Blues’ squad under Enzo Maresca, joining the ranks of Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ben Chilwell.
Sterling’s future seemed uncertain leading up to deadline day, with rumors of a potential swap deal with Jadon Sancho failing to materialize despite the latter’s move to Chelsea from Manchester United. However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously worked with Sterling at Manchester City, extended an olive branch to the 29-year-old forward, who swiftly agreed to a temporary switch to the Emirates.
The Gunners were able to finalize the deal before the 11pm deadline on August 30, with Sterling’s loan move confirmed following a successful medical in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Despite wearing the number seven shirt at Chelsea last season and during his time at Manchester City, Sterling will be taking on the number 30 jersey at Arsenal, relinquishing the iconic number seven to Bukayo Saka. This makes Sterling the most high-profile player to don the number 30 shirt at the Emirates, a number with less historical significance at the club.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner was the previous occupant of the number 30 shirt at Arsenal before departing for Nottingham Forest. Before Turner, Eddie Nketiah wore the shirt for three seasons before switching to number 14. Several other players who failed to make an impact at Arsenal also wore the number 30, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Armand Traore, Park Chu-young, Ryo Miyaichi, Jeremie Aliadiere, and Yossi Benayoun, who was also on loan from Chelsea.
Sterling was not eligible to play in Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, but he was present in the stands at the Emirates. His debut could potentially come in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15. The England international had an impressive 2023-24 season, contributing to 18 goals in 43 matches, with eight goals and four assists in the Premier League alone.
Unfortunately, Arsenal will be without summer signing Mikel Merino for the Tottenham match due to a shoulder injury sustained in training, which may keep him out for almost two months. Declan Rice is also unavailable as he serves a suspension following a controversial red card in the previous match.
