Why Raheem Sterling to Arsenal is 'incredible business' as Danny Murphy backs Chelsea outcast to impress during Gunners loan spell

The Gunners left it late to snap up Sterling from their London rivals but their decision to bring him on loan, with no option or obligation to buy, could prove to be a masterstroke if the England international finds his form. He is seen as a strategic addition to Mikel Arteta's squad, providing much-needed depth and experience, particularly in attacking positions as Arsenal are set to fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

The Gunners will pay only a fraction of Sterling’s wages during his loan spell, with Chelsea continuing to shoulder the majority of his salary. According to The Athletic, they are going to bear "significantly less than half" of his salary which could be between £300,000 and £350,000 ($394,000-$460,000) per week.

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy in his column for The Daily Mail, has expressed high hopes for Sterling's impact at Arsenal.

"Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling is an incredible piece of business," he wrote. "He’s a winner, a four-time league champion. He isn’t going to be phased by the size of the club and the level of expectancy from the fan base.

"The more players you have in the dressing room that have won trophies, the more it rubs off on those around you. It’s about showing a mentality and calmness in decisive moments and Raheem was a huge part of that at Manchester City."

Murphy believes that Sterling’s presence will allow Arteta to rest Bukayo Saka when necessary, providing much-needed depth in the squad.

"The one area where Arteta has found it difficult at times is strength in depth on the right wing. He had Bukayo Saka and no one else he trusted," he added.

"That meant he often ran Saka into the ground. Sterling’s arrival gives Arteta an opportunity to rest Saka when needed. The reality is if Arsenal want to be at that elite level, they need that strength in depth. Raheem will play more games than people think because if he gets anywhere near his best he’ll be starting."

As Sterling settles into his new surroundings at the Emirates, the pressure will be on him to deliver the performances that Arsenal fans and management are hoping for. His first real test could come in the form of the fierce North London derby against Tottenham on September 15, a fixture that could set the tone for his tenure at Arsenal.