"I don’t get this, I really don’t” - Pundit questions Arsenal's big decision on deadline day
Shaka Hislop has questioned Arsenal's decision to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on loan for the season. He believes that the Englishman has done "nothing" in the last two years to suggest that he would improve the squad.
Speaking on ESPN, Hislop stated that Arsenal should have spent the money to get a proper backup for Bukayo Saka. He does not see Sterling adding anything to Mikel Arteta's side.
Hislop said:
"I have to say I don't get this, I really don't. I understand Arsenal want bodies, want pedigree and they find that in Raheem Sterling, but Sterling has done nothing in the last two years that suggests he makes Arsenal any better even as a squad player."
"And so if we are here talking about a £20million package or £150,000 a week for a player who is there to cover Saka, to give him a rest, to maybe add some experience to a dressing room, I find that a lot of money to pay for a player who doesn't make you better. I just don't see. I don't see the value in this," he added.
Arsenal signed Sterling on loan from Chelsea in the final minutes of Deadline Day. The Blues are covering a large part of the Englishman's wages for the season.
Arsenal director says they had no plans to sign Chelsea star
Edu Gaspar spoke to Arsenal's official website and admitted that the club had no plans to sign Raheem Sterling. However, when the opportunity came up, the Gunners decided to snap him up.
Gaspar said:
"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. 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, of course. I spoke to Tim, our vice-chairman, to check if everyone is comfortable for the step we are going to take, and it makes a lot of sense. 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 added.
Enzo Maresca stated that he had no plans to bring Sterling into his plans this season. Chelsea were open to letting the winger leave this summer and also had talks with Manchester United.