Kai Havertz reveals how Arsenal squad reacted to Sterling signing

Despite his achievements, Sterling was sidelined by Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who excluded the England international from first-team training and urged him to depart toward the end of the summer transfer window.

Sterling now aims to help Arsenal, Chelsea’s London rivals, break their long wait for a Premier League title and make a strong run in the Champions League. His first European match with Arsenal is set for Thursday night against Atalanta.

Havertz and Sterling played together for one season at Stamford Bridge, and the German midfielder believes Arsenal has made an ‘incredible’ signing by bringing his former teammate to the Emirates Stadium.

‘It’s incredible,’ Havertz told Stadium Astro when asked about Sterling’s arrival after the north London derby win over Tottenham.

‘I had the joy to play with him at Chelsea. He’s an incredible player. If you see his stats in the Premier League, it’s outstanding.

‘You see how much quality he brings to the team and I think we are all very happy to have him.’

Sterling made his Arsenal debut in Sunday’s north London derby, coming on as a substitute as the Gunners held onto a lead that was earned by Gabriel’s header.

Speaking after the victory, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: ‘They are a great side and create an unbelievable atmosphere, we knew it would be tough.

‘We believed we could hurt them, we weren’t the best with the ball today. But the way we defended was top drawer.

‘We want to play a different game but they put a structure that is extremely difficult to match up so we decided not to do that.

‘We just work on heading the ball, having the right delivery and winning the ball. It is about the right timing. Over the season the team has to go over hurdles so I am delighted.’

Sterling played 81 games for Chelsea following a £50m move from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.