Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has completed a last-minute transfer deadline day loan move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The 29-year-old has agreed to a season-long loan with Mikel Arteta’s team.
Sterling, an England international, was informed that he was not part of the plans for new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting,” Sterling said of his move.
“It [the move] is one where we kind of left it late but it’s one I was hoping for.
“Looking at everything, I’m just, like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”
Raheem Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea and scored 19 goals since his £50 million transfer from Manchester City in July 2022.
The former Liverpool player was among the first to join Chelsea after the club’s takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
Despite making 43 appearances across all competitions last season, Sterling found himself out of the first-team plans under new manager Enzo Maresca.
This situation unfolded after Chelsea spent over £200 million on 11 new signings this summer.
When Sterling was left out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester City, his representatives sought clarity regarding his future.
Although there were links to a potential move to Manchester United, the opportunity to join Arsenal emerged late in the transfer window.
This move reunites Sterling with Mikel Arteta, who was part of the coaching staff at Manchester City during Sterling’s time there.
“I spoke with [sporting director] Edu and I said you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here and you see the journey the boys are on,” he added.
“You can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of.”
Sterling has been capped 82 times by England and was a key player for his country as they finished runners-up at Euro 2020.
However, he has not played for his country since December 2022.
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