Two shock Premier League clubs turned down chance to sign Raheem Sterling before Arsenal move as fears over his ‘physical age’ emerge

Arsenal have put a season-long agreement in place, but that deal was only struck after others passed on the opportunity to add a four-time Premier League title winner to their ranks. According to The Independent, West Ham and Crystal Palace both snubbed the opportunity to enter into talks.

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  That is because they had concerns regarding Sterling’s “physical age”, with the experienced forward having played a lot of football since bursting onto the senior scene at Liverpool when aged just 17. He also has 82 senior international caps to his name.

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  Arteta has no such concerns, having seen how hard Sterling works away from the field, and opted to make a move for a player that he knows well as Arsenal are eager to ensure that they have enough proven cover at their disposal to offer Bukayo Saka the odd well-earned break from competitive action.