'Very good player': Martin Keown reacts to Arsenal transfer rumour he's heard

Arsenal look set for a busy end to the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to add the finishing touches to his squad.

In terms of new recruits, the Gunners have signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and are now set to add Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino to their ranks.

Arsenal have also been busy on the outgoings front, having already let several first-teamers leave this summer, and more could soon follow.

Now, a report has emerged linking the Gunners with a Premier League veteran, but Highbury legend Martin Keown isn’t so keen.

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Martin Keown wouldn’t take Raheem Sterling at Arsenal

The player in question is Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, whose future at Stamford Bridge looks increasingly uncertain.

The Birmingham Mail reported that Arsenal’s name has been “thrown into the mix” as the Blues look to offload the England international.

Keown, speaking on talkSPORT (23/8/2024, 10:16am) believes Sterling “does too much” when he has the ball at his feet and “doesn’t get past his opponent”.

Although the Highbury legend says Sterling is a “very good player” overall, he still wouldn’t take him at Arsenal.

“No. I don’t think I would (take him at Arsenal),” said Keown. “I don’t think I would at this stage.

“I do rate this guy, though, as a very good player. But I think, when he was playing for Man City, he does his best work when he runs off the ball.

“When he has the ball at his feet, he does too much and he doesn’t get past his opponent.

“When you look at what Pep did (with) him, it was all off-the-ball movement.”

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Mikel Arteta hails Sterling amid Arsenal links

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta played down links between Arsenal and Sterling.

However, he spoke highly about the winger, who he coached when the two were both at Manchester City.

“No,” Arteta told football.london when asked if he had been tempted to contact Sterling. “But I can talk about my time with Raheem.

“It was exceptional, we built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together and he taught me a lot as well.

“About individuals, how they play and how we give them support and help them. He’s someone I have a really strong feeling about.”