‘I was praying’: Ian Wright tells £47.5m attacker he was desperate for him to join Arsenal in the summer

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Judging by their start to the Premier League season, Arsenal had a very successful summer transfer window.

Gabriel Jesus has already had a massive impact since arriving from Manchester City, as did Oleksandr Zinchenko before his injury.

Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Ian Wright was speaking to another player he wanted to join Arsenal.

Wright was interviewing Raheem Sterling and said he was desperate for him to sign for Arsenal in the summer.

Sterling eventually left Manchester City for Chelsea in a £47.5m deal, but has struggled to hit the ground running at Chelsea.

New manager Graham Potter has regularly played Sterling as a wing-back which is a deeper role than he’s used to.

Sterling’s would have been another senior figure at The Emirates had he gone to Arsenal.

There were rumours that Arsenal were interested in signing Sterling.

However, a report from Dean Jones said they couldn’t afford his wages.

Chelsea eventually beat Arsenal to the 79-cap international, but Mikel Arteta won’t be too upset after his side’s start to the season.

Wright was desperate for Arsenal to sign Sterling

As Wright interviewed Sterling, he said: “Raz, I have to ask you because Arsenal are coming up in the week, I was praying there was truth in the rumours that you may be coming!”

Sterling hasn’t been prolific since arriving at Chelsea in the summer, having scored once and assisted once in the league.

In stark contrast, Bukayo Saka has four goals and five assists, while Gabriel Martinelli has seven goal contributions.

Sterling would have likely started ahead of Martinelli, and Arsenal fans might now be happy he’s not limiting his development.

Arteta’s recruitment policy has certainly concentrated on bringing in and improving young talent.

The introduction of William Saliba this season, despite not technically being a new signing, shows what can happen when younger players are given time.

Wright was desperate for Arsenal to sign Sterling this summer, and he certainly would have been a fantastic option.

However, it’s hard to argue that right now Arsenal are really missing the 27-year-old from their squad.