Report: How Mikel Merino inadvertently affected Arsenal’s move for Raheem Sterling
To say Arsenal had a dramatic transfer deadline day would be an understatement. The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea at the last...
To say Arsenal had a dramatic transfer deadline day would be an understatement.
The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea at the last minute, and this deal was a very convoluted one.
At one point on Friday, it looked as though Sterling wouldn’t join Arsenal. However, a few wheels started to be put into motion that meant a deal was possible.
Interestingly, according to The Athletic, Mikel Merino’s injury affected Arsenal’s move for Sterling.
How Mikel Merino affected Raheem Sterling deal
According to The Athletic, Merino’s injury was one of the factors that saw Arsenal go in for a new attacker late in the day.
Indeed, Merino going down with an injury led to Arsenal wanting a new attacking player because there’s now a feeling that Kai Havertz may be needed more in the midfield.
Havertz has been playing up front for Arsenal for a little while now, but with Merino sidelined, the German may be needed a little bit deeper.
With Gabriel Jesus also out injured, Leandro Trossard is the natural successor to Havertz in that striking role, and that leaves Arsenal rather short on the wings.
Arsenal were quick to realise this, and that, ultimately, led to a move for Sterling.
Arsenal’s squad is stacked
Merino’s injury saw Arsenal make a move for Sterling, but Merino won’t be out forever.
Indeed, Merino is expected to be out for up to eight weeks, and when he returns, Arsenal will have a seriously stacked attacking roster.
Of course, other injuries could crop up, but barring a disastrous turn of events, Arsenal should always be able to field a very impressive attacking trio in terms of their two wingers and their striker.
Arsenal now have a squad that is very well-balanced, and there’s reason to believe that this group of players have what it takes to lead the north London club to their first Premier League title in over 20 years.
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