Rio Ferdinand says player that Arsenal reportedly want has been ‘unplayable’ for three years now

Follow us on Google Discover

Rio Ferdinand has leaped to the defence of reported Arsenal target Raheem Sterling, amid criticism of his recent displays, on Live on Five.

Sterling has come in for some backlash over his performances of late, which have seen him fall out of favour at Manchester City.

The Daily Mail say that the fall from grace Sterling has experienced have led to Arsenal wanting to sign him this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly feel that bringing Sterling to the Emirates Stadium is possible.

Sterling was at least backed by Gareth Southgate, as he named him as part of his England squad for Euro 2020.

That sparked some controversy, with Ferdinand’s fellow pundits on the programme suggesting that Jesse Lingard should have been included ahead of Sterling.

But Ferdinand leapt to the defence of the Manchester City winger.

“I think Sterling is the wrong one to use. The last three years he’s been unplayable. He’s been one of the main pieces [at City],” Ferdinand said.

“I can’t go with that. Jesse has done well for the last few months, but you could say he hasn’t played for a year before that.”

What the comments highlight for Arsenal

Ferdinand’s comments show why Sterling could be a hugely exciting addition for Arsenal, if they could coax him back to his best.

Arsenal do have some strong options out wide – with the likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all able to play down the flanks.

However, the chance to land a player of Sterling’s quality does not come about too often and if Arsenal could do so, it would be a signing which would highlight their ambition ahead of the new campaign.