Raheem Sterling reveals why Arsenal are the 'perfect fit' after Chelsea exile

Raheem Sterling believes Arsenal is the “perfect fit” for him after sealing a deadline day move from Chelsea.

Arsenal have taken Sterling on loan for the season and the club feel they have struck a good deal with Chelsea over how the winger’s £300,000-a-week wages will be paid.

There is no option to make the move permanent next summer, but Sterling will hope that joining Arsenal can reignite his career.

The 29-year-old fell out of favour at Chelsea this summer under new head coach Enzo Maresca and had his squad number taken off him.

Arsenal have given Sterling a lifeline and the winger believes he can thrive at the Emirates Stadium during the current campaign.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting. I’m buzzing,” said Sterling.

“It’s one where we kind of left it late but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just, like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu helped sell the move to Sterling, who was keen to make the switch to north London.

It is a move that will see the England international reunite with Mikel Arteta, under whom he previously worked at Manchester City.

Arteta was working as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants at the time and is credited with playing a big role in helping Sterling transform into a goal-scoring winger.

“I spoke with Edu and I said that it’s something you can see from the outside, you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here,” said Sterling.

“And you see the journey that the boys are on, and you can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of.”

Sterling has not been called up by England for the latest round of internationals, so can spend the time working with Arsenal.

He could make his debut in Arsenal’s first game after the break, which is the north London derby at Tottenham on September 15.