Ian Wright believes that Arsenal’s decision to sign Raheem Sterling on loan ‘has not worked’ as the winger continues to struggle for minutes under Mikel Arteta.
Having been brutally told he was surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca in the summer, Sterling was afforded a lifeline by Arsenal when he signed on loan on deadline day.
Arteta enjoyed a productive relationship with Sterling previously and it was hoped that the pair could rekindle their relationship to get the winger back to his best form.
However, the former England international has been merely a bit-part player so far this season despite the Gunners appearing toothless in front of goal on several occasions.
Sterling has started just one Premier League game so far and has played just 25 minutes in Arsenal’s last ten games in all competitions.
Reflecting on Sterling’s current situation, Wright lamented how the move has transpired given he had high hopes that the 30-year-old would flourish in an Arsenal shirt.
‘He’s not even getting a look in even when we can’t score,’ the former Arsenal striker said on Wrighty’s House.
‘I genuinely wanted it to work and when it came out that it might be happening.
‘I was genuinely excited because when you looked at Jesus and Martinelli last season, between them it was ten goals and you’re thinking someone like Sterling with his experience coming in to add to that would be exciting
‘It felt like exactly what we needed and it would be perfect but I don’t know why it’s not worked.’
Speculating on what could come next for Sterling at Arsenal, Wright added: ‘Maybe in one of those big games when we need a goal, he comes on and scores the winner – he needs something like that.
‘Otherwise, with his body of work and how great he’s been and what he’s achieved, it feels like it’s fizzling out and I don’t what it to finish like that for him.
‘There’s still time so I’m hoping that it will click. No one will jump higher than me if he can get it going.’
Sterling could be afforded a rare opportunity to impress on Wednesday as Arsenal face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Arteta, though, was coy and refused to answer a question on Tuesday when asked about why Sterling didn’t come on as his side chased a winner against Everton last weekend.
Despite his lack of game time, reports indicate that Sterling is happy to remain at the Emirates, especially given his lack of opportunities back at his parent club Chelsea.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.