Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to a strong start this season, securing victories against Wolves and Aston Villa. Despite the promising results, the Gunners face challenges ahead, including a tough run of fixtures against Brighton, Spurs, and Manchester City. Additionally, the burden of Champions League matches will test the squad’s depth.

Arteta has remained confident in his squad, emphasizing the collective goal-scoring ability that saw Arsenal net 91 goals last season. However, the departures of Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, and Emile Smith Rowe have left gaps in the attack. While Arteta insists he is content with the current roster, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Sterling is close to a loan move to Arsenal.

If Sterling does join Arsenal, his integration into Arteta’s 4-3-3 formation could offer exciting possibilities:

Sterling on the Left Wing
Sterling’s natural position is on the left wing, where his pace, dribbling, and ability to cut inside onto his right foot make him a constant threat. In Arteta’s 4-3-3, Sterling could slot into this role seamlessly, providing width and creating opportunities for Arsenal’s central attackers. His experience and knack for scoring could complement Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz in the central forward role, offering a dynamic and interchangeable front three. Right now, Martinelli has been starting in this position but his poor form might force Arteta to try out other options and Sterling will be a great choice

Sterling as a False Nine

Another intriguing option is deploying Sterling as a false nine, a role he has occasionally played at Chelsea and Manchester City. In this position, Sterling could drop deep to link play, drawing defenders out of position and allowing Arsenal’s wide players to exploit the spaces created. This approach would suit Arteta’s tactical flexibility, especially in matches where Arsenal needs to dominate possession and unlock compact defenses.

Sterling on the Right Wing

While less common, Sterling has the versatility to operate on the right wing. This option would allow Bukayo Saka to rest during congested periods. Sterling’s ability to drive to the byline to deliver crosses would add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack.

Rotational Depth and Tactical Flexibility

Beyond a fixed role, Sterling’s potential arrival would significantly boost Arsenal’s rotational options. With a busy schedule that includes Champions League commitments, having a player of Sterling’s caliber would allow Arteta to rotate his front three without compromising quality. Sterling’s versatility across the front line means he could cover multiple positions, reducing the risk of burnout for key players and keeping the squad fresh for the season’s demands.

While Arteta remains publicly confident in his squad’s depth, the addition of Raheem Sterling would offer Arsenal a proven Premier League talent capable of fitting into various roles within the team. Whether on the left, as a false nine, or on the right, Sterling’s adaptability would provide Arteta with the tactical flexibility needed to navigate a challenging campaign. With Sterling in the fold, Arsenal would not only bolster their attack but also enhance their chances of sustaining a title challenge and competing on multiple fronts.