How Arsenal got such a good deal for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling | OneFootball

Arsenal drove a hard bargain with regards to the signing of Raheem Sterling, with Chelsea ultimately accepting very favourable terms.

Raheem Sterling signs for Arsenal with Edu Gaspar (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Miguel Delaney reports for the Independent that Chelsea were initially insistent on receiving a loan fee for Raheem Sterling’s season-long move to Arsenal, but the Gunners made it clear they wouldn’t be paying one.

The club were willing to walk away if Chelsea didn’t accept their terms, holding onto Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson instead.

Chelsea couldn’t take such a strong stance, needing to get players off their books, so they ultimately accepted that no loan fee would be paid, and Arsenal would pay far less than 50% of Sterling’s £325,000-a-week wages.

Some reports suggest the Gunners are paying just £100,000 a week for the move.

Raheem Sterling after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Sterling on Twitter)

From Sterling’s point of view, the winger was always very keen on joining Arsenal. He was reportedly “delighted” with the eventual loan, but he was also keen on a permanent transfer.

According to Delaney, Sterling was willing to take a pay cut to earn a permanent move to Arsenal, but that option fell apart due to the time constraints so late in the window.

Mikel Arteta feels Sterling is a leader, and he has no concerns about the 29-year-old’s physical condition. He believes Sterling will be fine in the right system, and the player already understands Arteta’s tactical approach.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Raheem Sterling of Chelsea in action during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and FC Internazionale at Stamford Bridge on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

In the end, things worked out pretty well for Arsenal. They received a good fee from Crystal Palace for Nketiah (up to £30m), they finalised Nelson’s loan to Fulham, and they got a great deal for Sterling’s loan in.

The task now is to get the winger up to speed in time for a tricky run of games in September.