‘Raheem Sterling likely to make new Chelsea exit after Arsenal loan flops’
Raheem Sterling looks set to depart Chelsea again this summer, but he won’t be returning to Arsenal after a disappointing loan spell in North London.
The winger made the switch to the Emirates from Stamford Bridge on a season-long deal at the start of this season but has failed to impress, not scoring a single goal in any of his 16 league appearances.
Despite injuries to key attackers, Mikel Arteta has used Sterling sparingly and instead opted for 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri when Bukayo Saka was out injured.
The 30-year-old will return to Chelsea at the end of the season, when his loan deal expires.
However, Arsenal are interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon this summer, so have no reason to bring Sterling back to the club.
Sterling set for another loan
It seems as if Sterling’s days at Chelsea are numbered, as it is unlikely that Enzo Maresca will want to utilise the attacker next season.
The former England international was actually used in pre-season at the beginning of this campaign, but in the end decided to move to the Gunners.
BBC Sport’s (13 May) Nizaar Kinsella reports that Sterling looks likely for a loan move this summer, with Chelsea keen to subsidise his wages in a similar manner to this season.
Kinsella also adds that Sterling has rejected offers from Saudi Arabia in the past, instead opting to stay in the Premier League.
Sterling should copy Rashford
Football Insider Verdict
Marcus Rashford and Sterling seemed to have fallen into very similar career ruts, but the Manchester United winger managed to engineer a successful loan deal.
Upon his move to Aston Villa, Rashford began showing sparks of his old form, driving at defenders and having the confidence to try and beat his man.
| Player | Games | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Sterling | 16 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Rashford | 25 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
This has been by no means a complete return to his best, but it has at least put him in the shop window for a move in the summer.
There have even been reports linking Rashford to Barcelona, showing how much his stock has risen during his spell in the Midlands.
Sterling needs to take inspiration from his former England team-mate, and find a club that allows him to find his feet again.