In a surprising turn of events, Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling made headlines by reportedly turning down a jaw-dropping £650,000-a-week offer from a Saudi Arabian club to join Arsenal. The 29-year-old attacker made the decision to leave Stamford Bridge after being informed by new Blues boss Enzo Maresca that he had no future with the club.
Sterling was rumored to be on the radar of several clubs both abroad and in the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Manchester United among those interested. Despite speculation that he would stay put at Chelsea, Sterling managed to secure a last-minute move to Arsenal, a team with aspirations of winning their first Premier League title since 2004 this season.
The move also marks a reunion for Sterling with Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager who he previously worked with during his time at Manchester City. Sterling’s decision to reject the lucrative Saudi offer in favor of Arsenal demonstrates his commitment to helping the Gunners in their quest for Premier League glory.
Upon joining Arsenal on a season-long loan deal, Sterling emphasized that there is no obligation for the Gunners to make his move permanent at the end of the term. Reports from The Mirror revealed that Sterling declined the staggering offer from the Saudi club just days before Arsenal expressed interest in signing him.
It is believed that Sterling chose Arsenal over the tempting financial offer because he sees it as a better opportunity to achieve his long-term goal of returning to the England squad and making an impact at the 2026 World Cup.
In his first comments after joining Arsenal, Sterling expressed his excitement about the move, calling it an “unbelievable feeling” and highlighting the togetherness and hunger he sees in the team under Arteta’s leadership. Arteta, on the other hand, described Sterling’s arrival as a “big step” for the Gunners, emphasizing the impact the experienced attacker could have on the squad.
