Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions that Raheem Sterling could be sent back to Chelsea in a bid to free up space for another Premier League loan signing.

The Gunners are grappling with a shortage of attacking options following serious injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. While Saka is expected to return before the end of the season, Jesus has been ruled out for the campaign after undergoing knee surgery earlier this week.

Arteta has had to rely heavily on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in wide areas, with young prospect Ethan Nwaneri recently making his comeback after missing four games.

Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea, has struggled to find his form despite being given multiple opportunities. He delivered another subdued performance in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, raising questions about his future at the club.

Complicating matters, Arsenal already have goalkeeper Neto on loan from Bournemouth, meaning they cannot recruit another Premier League player unless Sterling or Neto return to their parent clubs. However, Arteta was firm in ruling out such a move when asked about the possibility:

“We are not thinking about that,” he said abruptly.

Despite Arsenal’s pressing need for reinforcements, Arteta appears set to stick with his current squad, leaving Sterling with a crucial opportunity to step up and deliver in the absence of key players.