Agbonlahor verdict on Raheem Sterling signing for Arsenal – ‘taking the easy way out’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Arsenal don’t need Raheem Sterling despite reports linking Mikel Arteta to a possible summer reunion with the winger.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 28-year-old “has got to” deliver for Chelsea after his mega-money Stamford Bridge move last summer.
According to 90min (27 February), Arsenal are monitoring Sterling’s situation as they prepare for the extra games brought on by qualification for next season’s Champions League.
However, Sky Sports claim (1 March) that the winger is happy at Chelsea and has bought into the “vision of the club’s owners and coaching staff”.
Sterling has more than four years left to run on his reported £325,000-a-week contract after joining the club last summer (2022).
The England international has managed just six goals since his move to Stamford Bridge – while his best season (2019-20) at Man City saw him net 31 strikes.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think Arsenal need Sterling.
“I can’t see him being a player they look at.
“They’ve got Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Trossard – there’s no room for Sterling.
“I can see him wanting to prove himself at Chelsea. He can’t take the easy way out after one season because it doesn’t look good.
“He’s got to deliver for Chelsea now.”
Arsenal are in control at the top of the Premier League and could win their first title since the 2003-24 season.
Chelsea have been cut adrift of the fight for Champions League football and look set to miss out for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Arsenal, Man United and Man City join race for Brighton star.