Paul Merson explains how 'phenomenal' Raheem Sterling can help Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Paul Merson is convinced Raheem Sterling's experience will hugely benefit Bukayo Saka and his new Arsenal teammates in their pursuit of Premier League glory. The English forward joined the Gunners from Chelsea on loan on transfer deadline day.

Raheem Sterling has vast experience playing in the English top flight with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea. He won four titles with City and was key, bagging 131 goals and 73 assists in 339 games at the Etihad.

The 82-cap England international's Stamford Bridge spell hasn't panned out as envisioned. He's been given a fresh start to reignite his career at Arsenal and Merson thinks that he will benefit the younger players at the Emirates. He suggested to Sky Sports that the attacker could help the Gunners finally win the title:

"I think it's an amazing signing for Arsenal. You've got to remember Arsenal have finished five points and two points behind Manchester City last couple of seasons and haven't been able to get over the line. They've got someone in now who's a proven winner, been there before, done it. Even that experience just take the load off Saka, Trossard and Martinelli. Phenomenal signing."

Saka, 22, was part of a Gunners side that missed out on the title in agonizing fashion last season. He's been superb for several years but has no trophy success to show for his electric form.

Sterling's trophy cabinet is stacked with 12 major trophies, and his goalscoring prowess could make the difference for Arteta. He can also use his winning mentality to help Saka.

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Wayne Rooney predicted Bukayo Saka would take new Arsenal teammate Raheem Sterling's England spot

Wayne Rooney hailed Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (Image - Getty)

Sterling's disappointing spell at Chelsea has seen him drop out of the England national team, missing Euro 2024. His last appearance for his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Saka shined for the Three Lions during that tournament, registering three goals in four games. He's since become an undisputed starter on the right wing, with his new Gunners teammate seemingly out of the picture permanently.

Wayne Rooney suggested that Saka would become England's regular right-winger during the World Cup two years ago. The Manchester United icon reacted to his performances during the competition in his column for The Times:

"For England, Sterling has been very good and Saka is a top player, so I would play either of them off the right... Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though. He plays with no fear and we’ve been talking about players not being in club form, but he is the opposite: he has been in great form for Arsenal."

Sterling was one of England's most important players under former manager Gareth Southgate until recent years. He posted 20 goals and 27 assists in 82 caps, but it remains to be seen if he'll ever return to international football.