Arsenal Decide Against Permanent Deal for Raheem Sterling

Arsenal will not pursue a permanent move for Raheem Sterling after his loan from Chelsea ends. Sterling made 24 appearances in the 2024–25 season, starting only 11 matches and recording six goal contributions. Despite moments of brilliance, including a Champions League assist brace, Mikel Arteta was left unimpressed and will focus on alternative targets.

The 30-year-old winger joined the Gunners from Chelsea on a season-long loan for the 2024–25 campaign, with no clause for a permanent transfer. Though there were murmurs last summer about Arsenal considering a full-time move if Sterling impressed, that scenario is now off the table.

According to a report by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Mikel Arteta has been underwhelmed by Sterling’s contributions and does not plan to pursue a permanent deal. Sterling has made 24 appearances across all competitions but started in just 11 of those. His overall goal contribution stands at six, including a notable performance in the League Cup semi-final run and two assists against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

However, such performances have been rare. His inconsistency, coupled with suspension due to accumulated Champions League yellow cards, has limited his impact. Most recently, he missed Arsenal’s crucial fixture against Real Madrid. With his return to Chelsea looming, Arsenal will likely look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements this summer. As for Sterling, his future remains uncertain, with Chelsea now needing to decide whether to keep or offload the experienced forward.