Arsenal have had a mixed Premier League campaign, and they are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with just nine games remaining.
The Gunners look on course to finish runners-up for the third year running unless there is a miraculous collapse from Arne Slot’s side.
Meanwhile, there will be plenty of squad changes at the end of the season. Raheem Sterling is poised to return to Chelsea after his loan stint.
The England international arrived at Arsenal on deadline day last summer with a point to prove, but he has been hugely disappointing.
Sterling has played less than 1000 minutes thus far with just five goal contributions.
Despite the club’s injury crisis, he has made just four league starts under manager Mikel Arteta.
Fotomac now claim that Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk is interested in signing a new winger amid the uncertain future of Baris Alpis Yilmaz.
Sterling, who is ‘unhappy at Arsenal’, is one of Buruk’s first choices to reinforce the right wing position.
The Super Lig giants could explore a cut-price deal for the 30-year-old amid his struggles at Chelsea before and at Arsenal this campaign.
Arsenal made a poor decision on Sterling
The Gunners had a disappointing 2024 summer transfer window. The club were fancied to bolster their attack, but did not pursue any high-profile targets.
They ended up with a panic decision on deadline day. Sterling was signed from the Blues in the final hours before the cut-off time. He was initially not in the club’s plans, as per former sporting director Edu Gaspar.
The late loan deal has not proved worthwhile. Sterling has looked a shadow of himself. He has been guilty of losing regular possession and has squandered seven big chances in just 954 minutes this term.
Arsenal are unlikely to retain Sterling’s services when the season ends. Hopefully, he can revive his career elsewhere. A move to Galatasaray could suit him as the Turkish Super Lig has lesser intensity.
The Gunners are currently covering £110,000 out of Sterling’s £325,000 weekly wages. With another two years left on his Chelsea contract, the Blues may have to negotiate a similar loan deal with Galatasaray.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Capology.com & Sofascore.com
