Mikel Arteta has revealed the moment he knew Arsenal had to sign Raheem Sterling

Mikel Arteta says he knew after 10 seconds that Raheem Sterling was the right signing for Arsenal. to transfer deadline day.

Sterling was released by London rivals Chelsea despite playing an active role in Enzo Maresca’s pre-season plans – the 29-year-old is the west London club’s most prominent target – and completed a season-long loan. to the Gunners in the final hours of the summer window.

He joins a strong-looking Arsenal front line that boasts the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard among others, bringing a wealth of Premier League title-winning experience from his days at Manchester City.

Of course, Arteta, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager at City, is well aware of Sterling’s abilities. The only question on the Spaniard’s mind was what stage of his career he was at after a difficult time at Chelsea – something he got the answer to just ten minutes after the pair discussed a move to Arsenal.

“He looks good. He has a lot of energy, a smile on his face and he’s there,” Arteta told reporters on Friday of his two-week training session. “You want to prove a point and when someone has that in their stomach they feel it right away.

“Obviously, there is nothing else I need to know about his level and what he can bring to the team. Many things have changed in his life, but I am really surprised by the player. The first call I had with him, I got him and he knew in the first ten seconds that we have to bring him because he really wanted it.

“That was my only question: ‘what stage is he in his career?’ [But] after 10 seconds, I already knew before the following questions that we needed him here.

“What I see is hunger. He is a player who wants to play every minute of every game. If not, he is not happy. He wants to play every day and I can see that.

“His dedication and the level of energy he brings to the team is very encouraging. You can feel it when you walk in the door. We’re better with him. He’s going to make us better.”

Sterling is in contention to play for Arsenal when they face north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday – a game they will be without Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice through injury and suspension.

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