MIKEL Arteta has been asked about potential interest in Raheem Sterling – and didn’t specifically rule out a move for the Chelsea attacker.
Arteta worked with England international Sterling for three seasons when the Arsenal boss was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
They won two Premier League titles, the EFL Cup twice and the FA Cup together before Arteta took over at the Gunners in 2019.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has said that Sterling isn’t part of his plans. Sterling’s representatives demanded clarity from the Blues after Sterling was left out of their match-day squad against City last weekend.
Arteta was asked if he would be interested in signing Sterling at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
“My time with Raheem was exceptional,” Arteta said. “We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how they, players think, how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.”
Meanwhile, Moses Caicedo captained Chelsea as Maresca got his first win in charge in the 2-0 victory against Servette in their Uefa Conference League play-off first-leg tie at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.
Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke scored for the hosts in the second half.
“‘I found out before the warm-up,” Caicedo said after skippering the side for the first time in his Chelsea career.
“The kit man told me that I was going to wear it and I was surprised, but after it was a really good moment for me and my family. It was really good wearing the captain’s armband for the first time with this amazing club.”
Chelsea travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. Kick-off is 2pm.
