CONFIRMED: Raheem Sterling jersey number confirmed ahead of Brighton game today,as player is expected to start from bench today – welcome to Emirate Raheem

On deadline day, Arsenal pulled off a stunning last-minute agreement to sign Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta, the manager of the Gunners, appeared to be disappointed after passing on important targets like Nico Williams and Benjamin Sesko this summer. Arteta was eager to bolster his assault.

But, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca publicly stated that the winger was not in his plans, which meant that Arsenal learnt of Sterling’s availability late in the transfer window.

After Sterling was cut from the Chelsea team, his representation began attempting to get him a late move; on the day of the transfer deadline, Arsenal began negotiations for a possible transaction.

After reaching an agreement on a straight-year loan agreement, Sterling’s negotiations with Chelsea were successful. On Friday night, he showed up at Arsenal’s training facility to have his medical and confirm the conditions.

The teams have an additional two hours to finish the transaction because a deal sheet was sent in before 11 p.m. The paperwork was completed on schedule, and early in the morning, Arsenal announced on Arsenal.com that Sterling had signed a one-year loan agreement with the team.

The 29-year-old announced his excitement to join Arsenal and assured supporters that he still had plenty of good years left in his storied career after completing the transfer.

With four Premier League titles, five domestic cups, and 379 top flight appearances under his belt, Sterling will undoubtedly add quality and a wealth of experience to the Arsenal team. He has also scored 123 goals and given 63 assists.

Although Sterling’s primary role on the right wing will be to cover for Bukayo Saka, the former Liverpool and Manchester City player can also play up front as a “false 9,” giving Arteta another flexible option in the final third of the pitch this season.

Reiss Nelson, 24, left Arsenal to make place for Sterling’s arrival. Last night, the 24-year-old signed a one-year loan agreement with Fulham.

More pictures of Sterling posing in his new Arsenal uniform can be found here: