Topics: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Arsenal, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, England
The details surrounding Raheem Sterling's season-long loan move from Chelsea to Arsenal have emerged following his deadline day move.
After being told he was no longer in Enzo Maresca's plans ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Sterling has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old winger, who is said to be on around £300,000 per week at the Blues, was 'open' to joining Manchester United, a club he supported growing up.
But late on Friday night, Sterling would sign for last season's Premier League runners-up Arsenal on a season-long loan deal.
Advert
"It's an unbelievable feeling. It's really exciting," Sterling said. "It [the move] is one where 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."
He added: "I spoke with [sporting director] Edu and I said you can see the real togetherness from Mikel's time here and you see the journey the boys are on.
"You can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I'm looking to be a part of."
Since the announcement was made, it has emerged that Arsenal will pay significantly less than 50 per cent of his salary for the duration of his loan, according to The Athletic.
Ben Jacobs also suggests there will be no loan fee involved.
As you can imagine, details around the loan fee and wages have brought plenty of reaction from fans on social media.
One said: "Didn’t even shift his wages. Some unbelievably poor negotiations all the way up to the end of the window," while another wrote: "Chelsea are so easy to deal with."
A third commented: "I don't believe it tbh. Chelsea's gaining nothing from this deal. Still paying almost more than anyone else to this guy so he can play for Arsenal? No way."
A fourth said: "No loan fee and we still pay half his wages to help strengthen a league rival, would love to know what makes Winstanley and Stewart think this is a good move?"
A fifth added: "Chelsea are getting fleeced! No loan fee and still paying half of Sterling's wages? That's a terrible deal for the Blues. They're essentially subsidizing Arsenal's title challenge."
Last week, Mikel Arteta opened up on his "exceptional" relationship with Sterling, who played at Manchester City during Arteta's three-year spell as assistant manager.
"We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time," the Spaniard said.
"He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we help them and support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about."
