ESPN pundit Shaka Hislop has taken to criticizing an Arsenal player worth £50 million, even going so far as to say the player has “done nothing” to merit a spot in Mikel Arteta’s all-star squad.
Arsenal loses to Brighton in the window with dropped points.
After Friday night’s 11 p.m. deadline, the summer transfer window is now officially closed. Edu Gaspar’s recruiting team has been working incredibly hard to bolster the roster.
Following their previous summer transfers of Brentford’s David Raya, the Emirates’ Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino, Arsenal signed two first-team players on deadline day.
Neto, who will take over for the departing Aaron Ramsdale as Raya’s backup goalkeeper in north London, was signed by Edu on a season-long loan. Additionally, Raheem Sterling, an England international, agreed to a pay cut as Arsenal completed a last-minute temporary move for him from Chelsea, splitting his salary 50/50 (Ben Jacobs).
The Gunners were searching for a wide player to replace players like Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka. Throughout the summer, they were linked to several well-known players before settling on a deal for Sterling.
To be completely honest, we never really intended to sign him when the transfer window opened. Regarding Sterling’s delayed signing, Edu stated, “for various reasons.
“However, we always emphasize to everyone that you need to be ready for any eventuality. As soon as I had the chance, I spoke with Mikel of course and looked over the team to see how he performed.
“To make sure everyone is comfortable with the step we are going to take, I spoke with Tim Lewis, our vice-chairman, and it makes a lot of sense. Yes, having someone like him makes a lot of sense because I have a good feeling about how much he will contribute to the team.
“He has played in the Champions League numerous times, has experience, and knows the league better than anybody else. He also has a few Premier League victories under his belt, so I think he can bring a lot to our team and I’m thrilled to have someone with his caliber in it.”
Although Edu is thrilled that the 29-year-old is joining from Chelsea, Hislop is not feeling the same way.
Hislop questions deadline day signings and criticizes Sterling at Arsenal.
Former first-team goalkeeper Hislop asserted in an interview with ESPN on Friday that Sterling has “done nothing” in the previous two years to warrant such a high-profile transfer to Arsenal.
Hislop stated, “I have to say, I really don’t get this” (via TBR).
“I know that Raheem Sterling gives Arsenal the body and pedigree they desire, and they have found that in him, but in the past two years, Sterling hasn’t proven to be any kind of asset to the team, even as a squad member.
“I find that a lot of money to pay for a player who doesn’t improve you, especially if we are talking about a £20 million package or £150,000 a week for a player who is there to cover Saka, give him a break, and possibly add some experience to a dressing room. I simply don’t see this’s worth.”
After the international break, Sterling, who cost Chelsea £50 million to sign from Man City in 2022, may play in his first Premier League game for Arsenal against Tottenham in the much-anticipated north London derby.
