Rio Ferdinand, a former defender for Manchester United, claims that Chelsea’s decision to let Raheem Sterling sign a loan deal with Arsenal is “crazy” and that Mikel Arteta and Edu’s “great business” could be a turning point in this season’s Premier League title fight.
The Gunners failed to win the Premier League for the second consecutive year as Manchester City maintained their hold on the English league; however, they have bolstered their team once more in an attempt to finally defeat Pep Guardiola’s team.
This summer, goalkeeper Neto arrived on deadline day on a loan from Bournemouth, and David Raya made his loan move permanent, joined by the likes of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino. However, Sterling’s arrival in north London on the last day of the transfer window was the big story.
The 29-year-old was forced to train with Chelsea’s “bomb squad,” which is different from the first team players being considered for selection, after he was left out of the starting lineup for the match against his old team, Man City, on the first day. Over the next few weeks, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made it clear to him that if he stayed at the team past the transfer window, he would not be playing for the Blues. As a result, the Blues were forced to work quickly to arrange an exit for one of their highest-paid players.
The attacker, who was Arteta’s teammate at City, was quickly signed by Arsenal; according to reports, the Gunners would only be paying a portion of his weekly salary and there was no loan fee associated with the move. Ferdinand calls the agreement “a ridiculous bit of business” for Arsenal and questions Chelsea’s decision to allow him to join their rivals in London.
On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand commented, “What a crazy circus act this was.” “But I’m just relieved and happy that Raheem Sterling’s situation was resolved and he was able to get the move he desired.” Chelsea could have handled the matter better; it wasn’t handled correctly. But now that he’s gone, I’m relieved.
“Arsenal has done a great business. They think this is a ridiculous business venture.
“You’re getting a four-time league champion winger with experience who knows how to get the job done. He has played for some of the biggest teams in this nation.
“His knowledge of the route to awards is priceless. I don’t know how Chelsea let that slip out the door; it’s absurd.”
Although Sterling’s tenure at Chelsea was somewhat lackluster, Ferdinand claims that he will have to prove himself once more before becoming a “perfect fit” at the Emirates Stadium. The former England international even thinks the transfer might have a decisive effect in the Gunners’ title fight.
“Arsenal and this is a match made in heaven,” Ferdinand continued. “It fits me perfectly. Raheem also has a point to make.
“I’ll say it again: I believe Arsenal will win the league this year, and this signing only serves to confirm that belief. I think he will deliver there. His potential importance seems high to me.”
