Raheem Sterling of Arsenal is ready to take on an unexpected role as requested by Manager Mikel Arteta, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Riccardo Calafiori remains Arsenal’s most expensive signing of the summer transfer window, costing £42 million from Bologna. However, Arsenal continued to search for reinforcements right up until the deadline. Sterling joined too late to feature in the draw with Brighton, but the Chelsea loanee may be ready to make the starting lineup against Tottenham.
According to GMS sources, Sterling is open to playing in the false nine position as Arsenal aims for the Premier League title and is willing to take on this new role in the North London derby.
Declan Rice received his first-ever red card, resulting in Arsenal settling for a point against Brighton. This means Arteta will need to make at least one change for the Spurs match. If Merino and Gabriel Jesus are unavailable, Arteta might consider moving Kai Havertz into midfield and allowing Sterling to lead the attack.
Sterling’s Premier League stats show he outperforms Kai Havertz in several areas. Sterling averages 4.16 shots per game, compared to Havertz’s 2.93. He also takes 2.55 shots per game, while Havertz takes 2.40. Sterling provides 1.70 key passes per 90 minutes versus Havertz’s 1.30. Although both players have similar shots on target (1.00 for Sterling and 1.02 for Havertz), Sterling scores more goals per game (0.40 vs. 0.35) and has more assists (0.21 vs. 0.15).
Sterling is preparing for a new challenge at Emirates after being left out by Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca, despite his £350,000-a-week contract. He is eager to make an impact and is not opposed to playing out of his preferred position.
This last-minute deal benefits Arsenal, as they do not have to pay a loan fee and only cover a portion of Sterling’s wages. With 123 Premier League goals, Sterling has the potential to shine even if deployed in an unexpected role against Tottenham later this month. This is truly a promising move for the Gunners.
