Raheem Sterling, who has struggled to find his place at Chelsea, has been advised by Gary Neville not to consider joining Manchester United or Arsenal. Despite interest from both clubs, Neville believes Sterling, formerly of Manchester City, may not find the opportunities he’s seeking there. Chelsea’s new manager has reportedly communicated to Sterling multiple times that he is no longer needed at Stamford Bridge, encouraging him to find a new club before the transfer window closes.
Sterling, now 29, faces a challenging situation as Arsenal and Manchester United emerge as potential destinations for him. However, Neville argues that securing a spot in the starting lineup for either club could be difficult. He elaborates that, at Manchester United, Sterling would have to compete with the likes of Amad Diallo, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, all of whom occupy similar positions on the field. Neville stresses that United’s priority should be to maximize the potential of these players rather than bringing in Sterling at this time. According to Neville, Sterling doesn’t fit a pressing need for United; however, if the club were to lose confidence in one or more of their current options, a move for Sterling could make more sense. For now, Neville believes that United should focus on helping their existing players find their form and contribute effectively to the team.
Turning to Arsenal, Neville points out that the Gunners already have a strong contingent of players capable of filling the roles Sterling would typically occupy. Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli all offer options on the left wing, while Bukayo Saka has become a dependable and almost constant presence on the right side. Given this depth and consistency, Neville argues that Arsenal does not have a clear need for Sterling either. The squad’s current balance and attacking options make a move for Sterling seem unnecessary, especially when considering Arsenal’s aspirations to challenge for the title this season.
Neville also understands Chelsea’s position, suggesting that the club’s eagerness to offload Sterling is clear, especially in light of recent developments. Chelsea’s desperation to move Sterling on reflects their current strategy, but for clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, there appears to be no obvious benefit in bringing him into the fold right now. Neville’s advice is rooted in the belief that both United and Arsenal have the talent and resources to succeed without adding Sterling, and that doing so might not align with their immediate needs or strategic goals.
Overall, Neville emphasizes the importance of both clubs making smart decisions based on their current squad strengths, rather than making moves that do not directly address any pressing requirements. For Sterling, it may mean considering other options if he is to secure the regular playing time and impact he seeks at this stage of his career.