Arsenal make Raheem Sterling transfer decision – sources
Arsenal have no plans to sign Raheem Sterling on a permanent deal after his season-long loan, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 30-year-old will return to Chelsea where a decision will be made about his long-term future in English football.
Mikel Arteta has been disappointed with the winger’s impact this season and will turn his attention towards other options in the transfer market.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Neto will leave Arsenal and return to Bournemouth as both of their Premier League loans have proved unsuccessful.
Between them, Sterling and Neto have started a combined 12 games this season and have failed to make an impact on the first-team squad.
Now, the Chelsea loanee is set to return to West London despite having been cast out by Enzo Maresca following the manager’s arrival last summer.
Raheem Sterling future up in the air after Arsenal exit news
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in November that Arteta had not been impressed with Sterling given his performances in training.
As a result, he is not expected to have any future at the Emirates despite Chelsea’s desire to move him on a permanent deal as he is no longer wanted.
Injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka provided the opportunity to make his mark, but his failure to do so put the nail in the coffin of his Arsenal career.
Brown told Football Insider in March that Sterling wants to join a Premier League club when he leaves Arsenal, although there is a lack of interest as things stand.
The winger has attracted attention from a number of Saudi Pro League, but is not thought to be keen on a move to the Middle East at this stage of his career.
Mikel Arteta begins summer clear-out as four exits expected
Arsenal are planning somewhat of a clear-out of their fringe players this summer, as they aim to free up wages and space in the squad for new additions.
Football Insider revealed that Jorginho and Thomas Partey will leave Arsenal when their contracts expire and replacements are already being considered.
Arteta is planning to delve into the transfer market and has already identified replacements to slot into the deeper role behind Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Meanwhile, both Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga will complete permanent moves after their loan spells away from the Emirates this season.
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