Raheem Sterling’s situation at Arsenal garnered fresh interest against Manchester United last weekend when he was snubbed in favour of Kieran Tierney at left wing.
Tierney has already agreed to leave Arsenal to re-join Celtic in the summer, and yet Arteta preferred to use the full-back in an attacking capacity instead of turning to Sterling.
It’s a bizarre situation, and as a four-time Premier League winner with 82 caps for England, it can’t be an enjoyable one for Sterling.
Gary Lineker shared his thoughts on Sterling’s situation after Sunday’s snubbing, and although the winger seems likely to play a part in Arsenal’s second leg against PSV Eindhoven this week, that’s only because the Gunners are 7-1 up on aggregate.
Mikel Arteta and Raheem Sterling now have a ‘different’ relationship at Arsenal
That being said, Mail Sport have now provided an insight into Sterling’s situation in north London, a winger who is still maintaining a positive attitude despite his struggles.
Although, according to the report, Sterling’s relationship with Arteta has changed significantly from their time together at Manchester City.
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During the winger’s prime at the Etihad, Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant and the now Arsenal manager had a very close relationship with Sterling.
Back at City, the pair were said to have spent hours together analysing situations on the training ground, and the duo do still talk regularly at the Emirates Stadium.
However, it is recognised that there is now a difference in communication given that Arteta is the manager, and not an assistant coach.
But Sterling does still ‘respect’ the way Arteta communicates with transparency, including when he explains his team selection and often leaves the winger out.
Raheem Sterling doesn’t regret joining Arsenal
Interestingly, the report also details that Sterling is still happy with his decision to join the Gunners on loan, even if he has often been stuck on the sidelines.
Sterling was ‘desperate’ to leave Chelsea in the summer, and Arsenal did offer him that escape.
That being said, Sterling’s minutes in N5 seem unlikely to increase towards the end of the season given that Bukayo Saka is nearing a return.
And it goes without saying that Arsenal don’t appear willing to seek a permanent move for the winger this summer.
Prospective new sporting director Andrea Berta has told Arsenal a signing he wants to make, and it guarantees to be a busy summer in north London.
