Mikel Arteta praises Raheem Sterling as he seeks clarity on Chelsea future
- Raheem Sterling seeks clarity on his future with Chelsea after being dropped from the squad.
- Mikel Arteta acknowledges Sterling's influence and describes their relationship as exceptional.
- The situation highlights the uncertainty in Sterling's future at Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, expressed admiration for Raheem Sterling, stating he has a "really strong feeling" about the player, who he learned a great deal from during their time together at Manchester City. Sterling's current situation at Chelsea has become uncertain, as he was recently omitted from the matchday squad for two consecutive games, including a notable clash against Manchester City. This has led to speculation about his future at the club. Arteta, who served as an assistant manager at City from 2016 to 2019, reflected on Sterling's impact during their collaboration, emphasizing the forward's exceptional skills and the insights he provided regarding player support and development. While Arteta acknowledged the temptation to reach out to Sterling amid his struggles, he refrained from doing so, focusing instead on the positive memories of their time together. As Arsenal prepares to face Aston Villa this Saturday, Arteta summarized the team's recent performances, noting that despite creating numerous chances, they failed to convert them into goals. This highlights a critical area for improvement as the Gunners aim to enhance their attacking efficiency in upcoming matches. On a separate note, Arteta addressed his own contract situation, indicating that the focus has primarily been on the transfer window. He assured that discussions regarding his contract would be handled at the appropriate time, signaling a commitment to the club's ongoing development and strategic planning.