Arsenal summer signing starts personal training ahead of potential debut against Tottenham
Arsenal players who will not be involved in the international break have returned to training, including summer signings
Raheem Sterling has wasted no time settling into life at Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff aim to prepare their new signing for involvement in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
Sterling, who joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Chelsea on deadline day, was informed by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca that he was not part of the club’s future plans. Seeking a fresh start, Arsenal secured the England international’s services for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, offering Sterling an opportunity to regain form and confidence after struggling to become a key figure at Stamford Bridge.
With Sterling lacking match fitness, having not featured since pre-season, Arsenal are fast-tracking his integration at their London Colney training facility while most of the squad is away on international duty, according to the Evening Standard.
Despite his recent inactivity, Sterling is reportedly eager to adapt to Arsenal’s playing style, a task made easier by his prior experience working with Arteta during their time together at Manchester City.
Sterling, who has been working with performance coach Ben Rosenblatt, is said to still be feeling “sharp.” Now that his immediate future has been settled, he is intensifying his training to be ready for action. Arteta expressed his desire to get Sterling involved “as soon as possible,” emphasizing the importance of preparing him for the crucial match against Tottenham on September 15.
“We’ll have to see and speak to him about what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling,” Arteta said. “We need to find quick wins to get him up to speed as soon as possible and help him understand what we are looking for from him and the dynamics of the team. We’ll use this time to do that and get him involved as soon as we can.”
Last season, Sterling made 22 starts in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. However, he was excluded from Maresca’s matchday squads this season. At Arsenal, the 29-year-old is expected to compete with Bukayo Saka for a starting role on the right flank.
Sterling described his move to the Emirates as “perfect,” expressing his excitement about the transfer. “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting,” Sterling said. “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.”