Arsenal star Raheem Sterling will not request an early exit from the club in January.
Sterling opted to complete a late summer move across London, after falling out of Enzo Maresca’s preseason plans at Chelsea, and the Gunners swooped for the England international.
The 30-year-old signed a season-long loan deal at the Emirates Stadium – with no purchase clause included – and Chelsea paying the majority of his salary.
The move appeared to suit all parties, as Maresca continued his policy of offloading players who did not fit his brief, and Arteta added an experienced player with Premier League title winning nous.
However, despite expectations of Sterling adding an extra dimension to Arteta’s attack, he is yet to make an impact with just two EPL starts.
Arteta has stuck with his favoured front three of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, with Sterling managing his only goal of the season in the EFL Cup.
The blow of losing Saka for two months due to a hamstring injury had looked to be an opportunity for Sterling but he is also set for a period on the sidelines with a knee problem.
Sterling’s absence is not as lengthy as Saka’s, but his role in Arteta’s plans is still unclear.
Despite his lack of involvement in recent months, Sterling remains determined to fight for his place, and reports from The Athletic suggest he will not request an early return to Chelsea in January.
Arteta has opted to rotate Martinelli into Saka’s position so far – with Leandro Trossard covering the left flank – and Sterling will need to seize any chance offered on his return to fitness.
