Gary Lineker believes Raheem Sterling will ‘have a lot to offer’ Arsenal after the winger joined the Gunners from Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
The 29-year-old struggled during his time at Stamford Bridge under managers Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea hired Enzo Maresca as their new boss back in the summer after being impressed by his work at Leicester.
Yet the Italian immediately made it clear Sterling wasn’t part of his plans after the veteran was left out of the squad for the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on matchday one.
Gary Lineker believes Raheem Sterling will ‘have a lot to offer’ Arsenal after the winger joined the Gunners from Chelsea on transfer deadline day
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Sterling has long been a big player in the top flight, despite his issues over the past two years.
Having previously played for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal are the latest big club he’s signed on the dotted line for.
Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, believes the England international can offer plenty to Mikel Arteta’s side.
And he also made it clear how big an admirer he is of the player, too.
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“He is still only 29,” he said.
“I know it seems like he has been around forever you think he’s a veteran well into his 30s, but he’s still only 29, so he will have a lot to offer, Raheem, and I think whether he will play consistently remains to be seen.
“But he has been a terrific player for well over a decade now.”
Sterling was in the stands on Saturday as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brighton.
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Kai Havertz put the Gunners ahead, only for Joao Pedro to earn a draw for the Seagulls following Declan Rice’s red card.
Some Arsenal fans have raised concerns about Sterling and whether he’s right for the club.
A number would have preferred the north London giants to invest in a proven centre-forward instead.
But Arsenal chief Edu, speaking after the deal was confirmed, believes Sterling can make a big impact in his new surroundings.
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Gary Lineker has backed Arsenal to get the best from Raheem Sterling after his departure from Chelsea
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“Well to be fair we never planned really to sign him when we started the transfer window, just to be very transparent. For different reasons,” he said.
“But we always say to everyone that you have to be prepared for every single scenario.
“So when that opportunity came to me, and I checked the squad, I checked how he plays, and spoke to Mikel [Arteta] of course.
“I spoke to Tim [Lewis], our vice-chairman, to check if everyone is comfortable for the step we are going to take, and it makes a lot of sense.
Raheem Sterling struggled during his time at Chelsea before joining Arsenal on transfer deadline day
PA
“Yes, it makes a lot of sense to have someone like him because I’m pretty sure he is going to add a lot in the squad.
“He has experience, he understands more than anyone the league, he’s played in the Champions League many times. He won the Premier League a few times as well, so I think he can add a lot to our squad and I feel really happy to see someone like him in our squad.
“It’s the last day, the last minutes, so (it’s been) a long day, a long transfer window but in the end I think we as a club have to be proud once again.
“The way we are working together, the way we did all the deals.”