Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his belief that Raheem Sterling is eager to make a statement following his surprise loan move from Chelsea on deadline day.
The 29-year-old forward was deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, prompting the switch to the Gunners.
Sterling, who worked with Arteta at Manchester City, could make his Arsenal debut in the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
“He looks great,” Arteta said. “First of all, he has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy. He’s at it and he wants to prove a point.”
After scoring 14 goals in 59 league appearances for Chelsea over two seasons, Sterling was left out of the Blues’ squad for the opening two matches of the current Premier League campaign. His representatives had expressed a desire for clarity on his future after he was omitted from the squad for Chelsea’s defeat to his former club, Manchester City.
Despite speculation linking Sterling with a move to Manchester United, Arsenal made the decisive approach, and Arteta noted the forward’s determination to rediscover his best form.
“When someone has got that in his belly, you sense it straight away,” Arteta added. “I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team. What I see is hunger. He’s a player who wants to play every minute of every game. When that is not the case, he’s not happy.”
While Sterling looks to reignite his career at Arsenal, Chelsea are focusing on their attacking options, including Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku, and summer arrivals Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Jadon Sancho, as they seek their second win of the season.
