Ex-Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling could make an impact in this season’s title race if he rediscovers his best form at Arsenal, according to Chris Sutton.
Speaking to Casinoapps.com, Sutton said that the 29-year-old has the ability to be the “difference maker” for the Gunners if his new manager can get him back to the levels he showed during his time at the Etihad:
“We’ve seen Sterling produce over the years at the highest level, and if Mikel Arteta can get him anywhere near the level he showed at Manchester City, then it’s going to be a brilliant piece of business by Arsenal.”
“Could Raheem Sterling be the difference maker in terms of Arsenal making that next step and trying to finish above Manchester City? We’ll have to wait and see.”
Sterling struggled during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge
The Cityzens offloaded the England international to Chelsea in the summer of 2022 for £50m, but he found life hard at the London club.
During his two years with the Blues, Sterling scored just 19 times in 81 appearances, failing to reach double figures for league goals in either season. With City, he managed that feat on five occasions.
Arsenal do have more depth than City
There is no doubt that Sterling’s arrival gives the Gunners even more options in attack. Arteta has four wingers (including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard), while he can use either Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus up front.
In contrast, City manager Pep Guardiola has no real backup for Erling Haaland, while he will need to rely on Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Savinho and Phil Foden to play out wide.
It must be pointed out that Guardiola prefers to have a streamlined squad. He dislikes having too many players on the sidelines who could become unhappy about their lack of game time. Considering the number of matches that the Premier League champions will be playing, though, it is a major risk.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
