Arsenal found themselves busy over the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta gears up for another Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners ended up adding five new additions to Arteta’s squad, including two late deals on deadline day.
Arsenal made a late loan move for Raheem Sterling, while goalkeeper Neto also joined the club on loan in the final hours of the window.
They join David Raya Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino as new arrivals at The Emirates, with the trio all signing permanent deals to join Arsenal.
Raheem Sterling and Neto both joined too late on deadline day to be registered for Arsenal’s clash against Brighton, where the Gunners dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw.
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Danny Murphy makes bold Raheem Sterling prediction
Sterling will be available for selection when Arsenal face Tottenham in a blockbuster North London derby.
However, he may find it difficult to get into Arteta’s squad with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all fighting for positions out wide.
Danny Murphy is confident, though, that Sterling will not only add to Arsenal’s depth but that he will be a regular starter this season.
Via the Daily Mail, Murphy wrote: “Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling is an incredible piece of business. 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.
“So, too, was Mikel Arteta. Raheem knows the high standards that Arteta sets. Likewise, Arteta knows how good a professional Raheem is and what a great role model he is.
“It’s not just Raheem’s influence in the dressing room but impact on the pitch. He’s versatile and can play across the front line, on both wings, as a striker and as a false nine.
“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.
“Raheem will play more games than people think because if he gets anywhere near his best he’ll be starting.”
Raheem Sterling’s role at Arsenal this season
Sterling will have to be patient as he works his way into Arteta’s first-team plans, but there will be plenty of opportunities for him to cement a starting spot.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta ‘amazed’ by Declan Rice sending off during Arsenal’s draw against Brighton
If the Gunners plan on competing on all fronts this season then they will need to utilise their depth and if Sterling hits the ground running he could easily find himself starting in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Arteta is familiar with Sterling having worked with him during his time at Manchester City, and the Spaniard could help him rediscover his superb form from his days at the Etihad Stadium.
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