Arsenal star admits shock at Raheem Sterling loan deal | OneFootball

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho revealed he was surprised to learn of Raheem Sterling's loan move from Chelsea.

Sterling was expected to spend the 2024/25 season at Stamford Bridge, but after being left out of their matchday squad for their opening day defeat to Manchester City, he was told to find a new club.

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace were among the teams immediately linked to the winger, but he wound up heading to Arsenal on transfer deadline day, with his move announced a couple of hours after the window shut.

Ahead of Sunday's north London derby and Sterling's potential debut, Jorginho - who played with the winger at Chelsea - backed the club's decision to bring in the 29-year-old, though admitted he didn't learn of the deal until the following morning.

Jorginho and Sterling were teammates at Chelsea / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

"You know the club - especially Mikel [Arteta] and Edu with what they are doing - you know who they are bringing is just right, so something good is going to happen for sure," Jorginho said.

"Then when you see there's a player that you know, that you played with and you know the qualities already, you know how they can help. You feel like you know how to give him the ball already, so you don't need to get to know him.

"I am honestly not looking at the news and stuff like that, because it's mad. It's different now, there's even too much information there, and sometimes it's not even true.

"It was the day of the game [against Brighton], I woke up and people [were talking about the deal], I was like: ‘What?!’

"Then we found out that he was coming, and he's going to be great for us with his qualities. He's won already, I think it was a good signing and I think he can add a lot to the team."