Raheem Sterling isn’t planning to cut his Arsenal loan short in the January transfer window, according to a report.
Simon Collings reports for The Standard that Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling has no plans to cut short his loan, despite his limited minutes under Mikel Arteta so far.
Sterling reportedly remains part of Arteta’s plans, and he’s determined to force his way into the team.
The on-loan Chelsea player and the Arsenal manager remain in constant dialogue, and Arteta has been transparent whilst Sterling has been understanding. Collings adds that the winger has trained well and gelled with his Arsenal teammates.
“It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more [playing time],” Arteta said last week.
“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not tactical reasons.
“I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way.”
Sterling is likely to get a chance in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, with Arsenal facing off against Crystal Palace. It would be a very good time for the winger to put in a good performance, as the Gunners face the same opposition at the weekend.
Impress in midweek, and it’s not too hard to imagine that Sterling could boost his own chances of featuring at the weekend.
Though he’s rarely been used on the left for Arsenal so far, there’s a bit of an opening on the wing with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s inconsistent form.
It’s much harder to break in ahead of Bukayo Saka on the other side, with Saka proving Arsenal’s player of the season so far.