The cost of Raheem Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal for Chelsea has now been revealed.
The winger moved to the Gummers on a season-long loan on deadline day in a deal that came down to the wire.
Despite playing in all their pre-season friendlies, Sterling had been told by new manager Enzo Maresca that he did not suit their style of play, and he was left out of their first two Premier League squads.
As a result they became desperate to find a solution for a player under contract until 2027 and who earns a reported ₤325,000 a week.
In the end, they were forced to offer him to Arsenal who agreed to take him provided that there was no loan fee involved, and that Chelsea would agree to subsidise more than half his wages.
This is estimated to cost Chelsea ₤10 million over the season.
For the Gunners, this is a relatively low risk move. There is no obligation to buy, and his salary is not now at a level to cause unrest in the dressing room.
He also scored 8 Premier League goals last season, and if he can rediscover his form under Mikel Arteta he could help make a positive contribution to both their League and Premier League challenge.
