Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has tipped Raheem Sterling to be a success at Arsenal this season.
Sterling joined the Gunners on a loan deal on deadline day. The 29-year old reunites with Mike Arteta, who was assistant coach at Manchester City when Sterling was there. Sterling enjoyed some of his most successful Premier League seasons at Man City.
Mikel Arteta committed to a new three-year deal with Arsenal. The Spaniard is seen as the man that has taken the club to ‘another level’ according to Arsenal Co-Chair Josh Kroenke.
What William Gallas has said about Raheem Sterling
Gallas was one of the rare players to have played for both London clubs. The defender spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge before moving to North London. The Frenchman believes Sterling will be a successful signing for Arsenal:
“I think this can be a very good move for Raheem Sterling,” Gallas said.
“It looks like it will be a positive move for Arsenal, and you can see that Sterling looks really, really pleased to have joined the club.
“I’ve seen the pictures of him in training; he looks happy. He looks relaxed. His body language looks good, at Chelsea, that wasn’t the case.
“I don’t know if this is true, but I look at him, I hear the things he’s said about Arsenal since he joined, maybe he always wanted to play for the club. He’s a London boy, maybe this is the shirt that he’s always wanted.”
Gallas says Sterling will be a great fit in the Arsenal attack, with his ability to play across the front three. He also says working under Mikel Arteta again can bring back the old Raheem Sterling.
“When I said it wouldn’t be a loss if he left Chelsea, that was fair. He didn’t show his ability at the football club. It’s simple. He has an opportunity to show people what he’s all about as a player, and perhaps working with a manager that knows him, will help him do that.
“Arsenal have got a lot of wingers, but he adds to that. They need a striker, and they didn’t get one. It would be very good news for the club and Mikel Arteta if Sterling can score goals. I’ve got a feeling that he may just do that playing for Arsenal.”
The Gunners return to Premier League action this weekend, taking on Tottenham in the North London derby.
Arsenal would be looking to keep up with Manchester City and Liverpool who are top of the table. Spurs on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Newcastle United before the international break.
