Arsenal were just one of four Premier League clubs interested in signing Raheem Sterling last summer, according to a report, but he doesn’t regret joining the Gunners.
Raheem Sterling ultimately joined Arsenal on loan on deadline day last summer, but the Gunners weren’t the only club in the mix for his signature.
Isaan Khan reports for the Daily Mail that Manchester United were initially pushing to sign Sterling on loan. Key members of the United hierarchy all vouched for the winger, and United were hoping Sterling’s arrival would help Marcus Rashford rediscover his form.
But United were ultimately too close to the line with regards to PSR, and they had to call the move off.
As well as United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur were also reportedly in the hunt to sign Sterling, but Arsenal got there ahead of the other two.
Things haven’t worked out so far for the winger in north London. Sterling has one goal and two assists in 22 matches, and only nine of those appearances were starts (two in the Champions League, four in the Premier League, three in the League Cup).
Yet Khan adds that the Mail understand Sterling is still pleased he joined Arsenal. Though he’s disappointed with his minutes, he remains ready to play a role when called upon.
The expectation is that Sterling will get a chance to impress during Wednesday’s last-16 second leg match against PSV Eindhoven.
With Arsenal already 7-1 up on aggregate, this is as close to a dead rubber as the team are going to get until the title race is done and top-four is secured. It’s perhaps one last chance for Sterling to prove he can have an impact before all jeopardy is gone from the season.