Raheem Sterling has wasted no time integrating into Arsenal’s training sessions as Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff aim to have their new signing ready for action against Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
Sterling joined the Gunners on deadline day, arriving on a season-long loan after being informed by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca that he was not part of the club’s future plans.
The England international now seeks crucial game time to rebuild his confidence after struggling to establish himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling is in need of match fitness, having not featured since pre-season.
Arsenal plans to accelerate his progress at their London Colney training facility while most of the squad is away on international duty, according to the Evening Standard.
The report notes that Sterling is eager to adapt to Arsenal’s style of play, though this transition should be smooth, given his previous experience working with Arteta during their time together at Manchester City.
Sterling is reportedly feeling “sharp” after working with performance coach Ben Rosenblatt but will now intensify his training, as he looks forward to this new chapter in his career.
When asked about Sterling’s fitness and progress, Arteta expressed his desire to have the player ready for action “as soon as possible,” with the next match being the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15.
He said: “We’ll have to see and speak to him on what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it.
“We have to try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quick as possible and him understanding what we are looking for from him and the dynamics of the team.
“We will use this time to do that and as soon as possible, get him involved.”
Sterling made 22 Premier League starts for Chelsea last season under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.
However, he has not been included in any of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squads this season.
The 29-year-old is poised to compete with Bukayo Saka for a starting position on the right flank.
Raheem Sterling described his move to the Emirates as “perfect,” expressing his long-standing hope that the transfer would be completed before the end of the transfer window.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting,” Sterling said.
“It 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.”
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