Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has heaped praise on Raheem Sterling ahead of the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
The England international joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Chelsea on deadline day.
He was ineligible to face Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, but manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he will make the squad for the derby.
Walcott believes Sterling will thrive with Arsenal after falling out of favour at Chelsea.
Walcott said on the Football News Show (via BBC Sport): “I look at the Raheem Sterling signing and think it’s absolutely a match made in heaven because Raheem is now in a stable group that dominates the ball and enjoys playing their football.
“There’s no more chopping and changing managers or uncertainty of whether he is or isn’t going to play. There is definitely a togetherness within the whole group.
“The beautiful thing about Raheem is that he can play in any of those three positions up front or even in that ten position behind the striker.
“He’s going to be able to take a little bit of pressure off of (Bukayo) Saka because Saka plays a lot of football. He’ll put pressure on (Leandro) Trossard and (Gabriel) Martinelli to get in the starting eleven.
“He’s a winner and is now in an environment where he is loved.”
Sterling could be a difference-maker at Arsenal
Arsenal were widely tipped to sign a winger during the closing stages of the window and they eventually took the opportunity to land Sterling on a temporary basis.
The Gunners are reportedly paying only £97,500 per week without any loan fee. Sporting director Edu Gaspar has pulled off a masterstroke with the deal.
Arsenal will spend around £4.3m until the end of June in wages. The club have nothing to lose and could have plenty to benefit if Sterling can find his form and confidence.
Sterling’s form was patchy during the 2023/24 season at Chelsea. However, he was still one of their best players after Cole Palmer, with 18 goal contributions in all competitions.
The Englishman could have a similar impact as Leandro Trossard. He could be a difference-maker for the Gunners with his goal contributions off the bench.
Sterling can play on either wing or up front. He can also operate behind the main striker. The attacker could be in line for his debut against Tottenham on Sunday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
