Mikel Arteta embarks on another rescue mission as Arsenal complete Sterling deal

Arsenal have completed a sensational loan deal with Chelsea for England international winger Raheem Sterling.

The 29-year-old was frozen out by the club in a bid to force him out and free up his high wages. They have now found a temporary solution, with Arsenal taking him off their hands for at least a season. 

Pulse Sports reported that the Blues decided Sterling was surplus to requirement. They forced him to train separately and yanked off his squad number, reassigning it to new signing Pedro Neto. 

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also stated in multiple press conferences that the former Liverpool forward will not register any minute this season if he continues at the club. 

Maresca told reporters that he preferred wingers of a different profile than Sterling, and with his high wages, the club made it a point to force him out. 

Reports in the last 48 hours linked the winger to Arsenal, in what was a surprising turn of events. The rumours slowly coalesced into more concrete links, and on the morning of deadline day, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Gunners had genuine interest. 

Just before Big Ben struck midnight, which effectively meant the end of the transfer window, the Italian transfer journalist confirmed that Arsenal and Chelsea had reached an agreement on Sterling's loan. 

They needed to file a deal sheet, however, as they couldn't complete the paperwork before time elapsed; they have now completed the deal. The Gunners, as have Chelsea, have officially announced the deal.