Arsenal star Raheem Sterling remains unfazed by the prospect of being asked to play as a false nine by manager Mikel Arteta, according to GIVEMESPORT sources. Riccardo Calafiori, who is Arsenal’s most expensive summer signing at £42 million from Serie A’s Bologna, was a significant addition, but the Gunners continued to seek reinforcements right up to the transfer deadline. Sterling’s arrival came too late for him to feature in the draw against Brighton, but the Chelsea loanee could be ready to start against Tottenham.
GMS sources indicate that Sterling is open to playing in a false nine role for Arsenal as they push for the Premier League title. Insiders suggest he would be eager to take on this role in the North London derby. With central midfielder Declan Rice receiving his first career red card in the draw with Brighton, Arteta faces at least one change to his starting lineup for the Spurs match. Should Merino and Gabriel Jesus be unavailable, GMS sources have reported that the Spanish manager is considering shifting Kai Havertz into midfield and deploying Sterling as the main striker.
Comparing Raheem Sterling’s average Premier League stats per 90 minutes to Kai Havertz, Sterling’s numbers are slightly better. Sterling averages 4.16 shots per game, compared to Havertz’s 2.93. He also takes more shots (2.55) than the German star (2.40). Sterling registers 1.70 key passes per 90 minutes, whereas Havertz averages 1.30. While their shots on target per game are similar—1.00 for Sterling and 1.02 for Havertz—Sterling edges out in goals per game (0.40 vs. 0.35) and assists (0.21 vs. 0.15).
Sterling embarks on a new challenge at Emirates Stadium after being sidelined by Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca, despite his £350,000-per-week contract. He is keen to make an impact and is open to playing out of his preferred position.
The last-minute deal has proved advantageous for Arsenal, as they have secured favorable terms, including no loan fee and covering less than half of Sterling’s salary. With 123 Premier League goals in his career, Sterling has the potential to shine even if deployed in an unexpected role against Tottenham Hotspur later this month. These factors make this transfer an enticing prospect for the Gunners.
