Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Raheem Sterling has a point to prove following his loan arrival from Chelsea.
The 29-year-old forward completed a shock deadline-day switch after being deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
Sterling could now make his debut for Arsenal in Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham, having been reunited with Arteta who coached him during his time at Manchester City.
“He looks great,” said the Gunners boss of Sterling. “First of all because he has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy. He’s at it and he wants to prove a point.”
Sterling scored 14 goals in 59 league games for Chelsea in his first two seasons, but was left out of the squad for their opening two matches of the Premier League season.
Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku and summer arrivals Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho have all been preferred to the 82-cap England frontman.
After being left out of the squad for the opening weekend defeat to former club Manchester City, Sterling’s representatives publicly stated their intention to gain “clarity” over his future.
Despite being linked with Manchester United, it was Arsenal who moved for him and Arteta said he can already sense Sterling’s hunger to get back to his best form, having scored 123 career Premier League goals.
“When someone has got that in his belly you sense it straight away,” added the Spaniard.
“Obviously, I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team.
“What I see is hunger. He is a player who wants to play every minute of every game. When that is not the case he’s not happy.”
‘We have to wait and see’ on Odegaard injury
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Image caption: Martin Odegaard had to be helped off during Norway’s win over Austria
Arteta also gave a positive update on a number of injury concerns in his squad before the trip to Tottenham.
Captain Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle problem during Norway’s Nations League win over Austria. Despite his national team’s team doctor saying the 25-year-old midfielder would be out for at least three weeks, Arteta refused to rule him out.
“We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back,” he said.
“With 48 hours until the game, players could always become available, but let’s see what happens.”
Another late call will also be made on summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, who was hurt on international duty with Italy.
“It’s another one that we have to wait for another day or so,” added Arteta.
Declan Rice is suspended for the derby after being sent off in the draw with Brighton last month.
Fellow midfielder Mikel Merino will also be absent after fracturing his shoulder in training following his move from Real Sociedad.
There is, however, more positive news on Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who is back in training after a groin injury kept him out of Arsenal’s games with Aston Villa and Brighton before the international break.
“Gabby was out [training],” said Arteta. “He has got another session tomorrow.
“If everything goes well he will be ready to be selected in the squad, which is great news for us.”
Emotional attachment ‘too strong’ to leave Arsenal
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Image caption: Mikel Arteta has taken charge of Arsenal 235 times since his arrival in north London
On Thursday, Arteta signed a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, keeping him as the Gunners boss until the summer of 2027.
He first took over in December 2019 and has led them to back-to-back second-placed finishes in the Premier League in the last two seasons, as well as a return to the Champions League.
Having been linked with Barcelona, Arteta said his love for Arsenal was too strong to want to leave for another project.
“The emotional attachment that I have, that my family has and my kids have [to Arsenal], as well as the experience that I have and the moment [I am sharing] with the people – it is too strong,” said the 42-year-old.
“We are going in the right direction, we have made some huge steps and we have a lot still to make.
“Due to the hunger – from the ownership to the board and all the players and staff here. That is the aim and objective [to win the Premier League].”