Raheem Sterling’s underwhelming stint at Arsenal has led Chelsea to make a decisive call about his future ahead of the January transfer window.
The 30-year-old winger joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea in August but has struggled to leave his mark.
With just one goal and two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, Sterling’s impact has been far from expected.
His minutes on the pitch have been limited, with most of his starts coming in cup competitions like Arsenal’s recent Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.
Despite being a regular unused substitute in both the Premier League and Champions League, Sterling has no plans to cut his loan spell short.
Chelsea, too, seem content with this arrangement. Reports from The Athletic confirm that the Blues will not recall Sterling in January, allowing him to complete the season at the Emirates.
Sterling, capped 82 times for England, is reportedly determined to make a breakthrough at Arsenal. Though sidelined due to injury in their last Premier League game, he remains popular in the dressing room and is hopeful of securing more playing time during the latter half of the season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Sterling’s attitude despite his struggles, highlighting his value off the pitch. “He’s fantastic in the dressing room and desperate to play,” Arteta said.
He also explained that limited minutes for Sterling often stem from managing injuries rather than tactical decisions.
Sterling’s loan deal runs until the end of the season, after which he is set to return to Chelsea, where he has a contract until 2027. He joined the Blues from Manchester City in a £47.5m deal in 2022.
However, not everyone is optimistic about his current form. Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore recently dubbed Sterling the “Premier League flop of the season” in a column for Metro.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Sterling to see if he can reignite his career and justify his inclusion in Arteta’s plans.