When Mikel Arteta picked up the phone to speak with Raheem Sterling on transfer deadline day, it took him only 10 seconds to make up his mind.
The Arsenal manager had no hesitation in signing the winger on loan from Chelsea.
This quick decision set the stage for Sterling’s new chapter, bringing him to the north London club just in time for a crucial match.
A Fresh Start for Sterling
This weekend’s highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham could be Sterling’s debut for Arsenal.
After a frustrating spell at Chelsea, where the England international found himself on the sidelines, Sterling was in search of a fresh opportunity.
Arteta, having worked with Sterling during his time as assistant manager at Manchester City, knew the winger had the hunger to contribute to the team.
“I could tell right away that he really wanted this,” Arteta said of their conversation.
“In just 10 seconds, I knew we had to bring him on board.
His hunger and desire to play every minute of every game were evident, and that’s exactly what we need.”
Odegaard’s Injury Concerns
As Sterling prepares to make his debut, Arsenal faces another challenge with captain Martin Odegaard’s injury.
The Norwegian midfielder sprained his ankle during international duty and was seen returning to London on crutches.
Arsenal fans are eagerly awaiting further tests to determine the extent of the injury, as Odegaard plays a crucial role in the team’s midfield.
A Potential Surprise Start for Nwaneri
With Odegaard’s availability uncertain, there are whispers that 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri might be handed a shock start in the derby.
When asked about the possibility of starting such a young player in such a high-stakes game, Arteta was calm and confident.
“We have to adapt throughout the season due to injuries,” Arteta remarked.
“This has happened early on, and our squad looks different than expected.
But the young players have shown us why we should trust them, and if the moment comes for Nwaneri, we’ll embrace it.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The upcoming match against Tottenham promises to be a thrilling encounter, and with Sterling’s hunger and Nwaneri’s potential, Arsenal’s lineup could offer some exciting surprises.
All eyes will be on how Arteta manages the squad, especially with key players injured, and how Sterling integrates into the team.