Chelsea to pay Arsenal HUGE fee for Sterling loan

Chelsea will have to pay Arsenal a sizeable fee as part of Raheem Sterling‘s move to Emirates, according to reports.

It was no secret the Blues wanted the winger out. Sterling was on a hefty £325,000 per week salary but was not needed for the already inflamed Blues squad.

Enzo Maresca had informed Sterling has he was no longer a key part of his plans despite the 29-year-old featuring prominently in pre-season.

On Deadline Day, Arsenal got the player on loan. ESPN reports that: “The eventual agreement with Chelsea required Arsenal to pay less than half of Sterling’s wages, with no loan fee involved.

“This meant that over the course of the season-long loan, Chelsea would be footing the bill for around £10 million of Sterling’s salary while he played for one of their Premier League rivals.”

As revealed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal stepped up their pursuit of Sterling and ultimately managed to secure a deal for the veteran. He joined the Gunners on a loan deal without an option or obligation to buy, though it looks as though Chelsea are footing the bill in terms of wages.

Arteta a big fan of Sterling

Links to Arsenal had already cropped up earlier in the window. Of course Mikel Arteta worked with Sterling at Man City. The Spaniard admitted that he absolutely loved his time together with the player,

“You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come. We will be ready,” Arteta previously announced when quizzed about a move for Sterling.

“My time with Raheem was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how they – players – think and how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.”

With Sterling signed, Arteta will finally have enough wide options to rest Arsenal’s veritable ironman Bukayo Saka more regularly. Last season, the winger had a few minor injuries and this can hopefully now be prevented with adequate cover.