‘You’ve got to remember’: Paul Merson shares what he really thinks of Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling

Arsenal completed a surprise deadline day move for Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan deal.

The England international was left out of Chelsea’s project by Enzo Maresca and hasn’t kicked a ball in the Premier League this season.

Sterling rejected a huge offer from Saudi Arabia to move to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta is set to reunite with the winger after they worked together at Manchester City.

His signing has divided opinion among fans and pundits, with Shaka Hislop saying Sterling has done nothing over the past two years to warrant a move to the Gunners.

Paul Merson, on the other hand, seems to think otherwise.

Paul Merson believes Raheem Sterling is a ‘phenomenal’ signing for Arsenal

The Arsenal legend believes Sterling’s arrival can help Mikel Arteta close the gap on Manchester City, having lost out on the title to them over the past two seasons.

“I think it’s an amazing signing for Arsenal, amazing signing,” Merson said on Sky Sports.

“You have got to remember Arsenal have finished five points and two points behind Man City in the last couple of seasons and haven’t been able to get over the line.

“They got someone in now who is a proven winner, been there before, done it, even that experience just to take the load off of Saka and Trossard and Martinelli. Phenomenal signing, phenomenal.”

Sterling didn’t feature in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion and should be in line to make his debut for his new club against Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.

How Sterling will fit in at Arsenal

Sterling is capable of playing on the right wing and his arrival could help ease the burden on Bukayo Saka, who pretty much plays every game when fully fit.

He also brings with him bags of experience and has won four Premier League titles with Manchester City, while also representing other big clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea.

The 28-year-old was cast aside by Maresca and will look to use his loan spell at Arsenal to prove to Chelsea exactly what they are missing out on after two lukewarm seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling will also look to get back into the fray for England, having been left out of the squad for Euro 2024 by Gareth Southgate.