Premier League legend claims key transfer hands Arsenal title advantage

2024-09-02
3 min read
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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal's loan swoop for Raheem Sterling could secure the Gunners a Premier League title in 2025.

Ferdinand has previously tipped Arsenal to end their two-decade wait for a league title this season before their deadline day move to bring in Sterling.

Following Chelsea's push to offload the England international, Arsenal moved quickly to agree a season-long loan, with the clubs sharing Sterling's wages during his spell in North London.

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Despite slipping out of Enzo Maresca's plans for the 2024/25 campaign, Sterling's goal threat and big game experience is a major plus for Mikel Arteta, with 29-year-old winning four EPL titles at Manchester City.

That nous will be vital for Arsenal, according to Ferdinand, with the title race expected to be even tighter than the 2023/24 season.

"I'm pleased and happy the situation got sorted for Raheem Sterling and he got a move he wanted. The situation wasn't handled properly - it could've been better from Chelsea. But I'm glad he’s gone now", Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel.

"It's a great business by Arsenal. From their perspective, this is a ridiculous bit of business.

"You're getting an experienced winger who has won four league titles, he knows how to get it done. He's played for some of the biggest clubs this country has to offer.

"He knows the path to trophies and that's invaluable. How Chelsea have let that out the door I don’t know, it's crazy!"

Arsenal fans will be hoping Ferdinand's comments are correct as they look to win a Premier League crown for the first time since 2004 under Arteta.

The Gunners have started the season unbeaten in their first three games, but a draw at Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend has allowed Manchester City and Liverpool to gain an advantage, ahead of the September international break.