Will Arsenal sign Raheem Sterling permanently? Here’s what the future holds for the Chelsea winger after the Gunners make their transfer decision.
After an underwhelming loan spell, Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team are looking elsewhere ahead of a pivotal summer transfer window.
Will Arsenal Sign Raheem Sterling Permanently?
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have no intention of signing Raheem Sterling on a permanent basis following his season-long loan from Chelsea.
Despite a promising reunion with Mikel Arteta – his former coach at Manchester City – Sterling has failed to make a lasting impact in North London.
Arteta had hoped Sterling’s experience and versatility would add quality depth to the attacking line, especially during injury spells to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, the 30-year-old struggled to impress consistently and has started just 11 matches across all competitions this season.
🚨 Arsenal have no plans to sign Raheem Sterling on a permanent deal. They will send him back to Chelsea.
(Source: Football Insider) pic.twitter.com/J535ISH2Zh
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 14, 2025
Why Arsenal Are Letting Sterling Go
While Sterling has shown flashes of brilliance – providing three assists in recent games against PSV Eindhoven and Everton – sources say these late performances haven’t done enough to change Arsenal’s stance.
Senior figures at the Emirates are now focused on targeting younger, more impactful players as part of a squad evolution under new sporting director Andrea Berta.
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown highlighted in an earlier report that Sterling’s training performances left Arteta underwhelmed, adding that Arsenal’s manager never saw the winger as a long-term option.
What’s Next for Raheem Sterling?
With Arsenal stepping back from a permanent move, Chelsea will now decide Sterling’s future.
The winger has become surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, especially under Enzo Maresca, who cast him aside shortly after taking charge.
A permanent transfer is the preferred outcome for Chelsea, who are reportedly open to a cut-price deal to offload Sterling’s significant wages.
However, interest from Premier League clubs appears limited. There has been interest from Saudi Pro League sides, but Sterling is not currently open to a move to the Middle East.
Why are we paying £150k a week for Sterling if we don’t even use him here 😂
— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) April 12, 2025
Will Chelsea Loan Sterling Again?
If a sale cannot be arranged, another loan deal could be on the cards.
Sterling has made it clear he wishes to stay in the Premier League, but opportunities at top clubs are dwindling as his form continues to decline.
Clubs further down the table or newly promoted sides might offer him a chance to rejuvenate his career, though his high wages remain a major stumbling block.
Sterling’s Chelsea contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027.
Arteta Plans Summer Clear-Out: Who Else Is Leaving Arsenal?
Sterling isn’t the only player on the way out. Arsenal are planning a major summer clear-out as Arteta looks to reshape the squad.
According to multiple reports:
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Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both expected to leave at the end of the season.
- Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic on a free transfer as his contract expires.
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Neto will return to Bournemouth after his loan expires, and a new replacement backup goalkeeper will be signed.
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Loanees Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga are set to complete permanent exits.
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Arsenal are not offering a contract extension to Partey, despite earlier rumours.
The club will reinvest freed-up wages into new signings, particularly in midfield and attack.
🚨 Arsenal have a lot of plans in the transfer market this summer & offering a bumper contract extension to Thomas Partey, who would then be considered a squad player, is highly UNLIKELY at this stage. ❌ [@GraemeBailey] pic.twitter.com/eB5sbmhL9b
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 14, 2025
