Arsenal have signed Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling on loan for the remainder of the season, the clubs confirmed on Friday.
Sterling has three years left on his contract at Chelsea but had been considered a superfluous player at Stamford Bridge. Having previously been linked with Manchester United, Sterling completed his move to Arsenal just before the summer transfer window closed.
The deal for Sterling came as ESPN reported that Chelsea had reached an agreement to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on loan.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta distanced the club from a move for Sterling last week despite speaking positively about his character after the pair worked together for three years at Manchester City.
However, Arsenal have been open to signing an attacking player throughout the window and are discussing their options, having also been linked with a late move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.
The move for Sterling came after Arsenal sent fellow winger Reiss Nelson on loan to Fulham for the season, with the Gunners believing Sterling would be an upgrade on the 24-year-old.
Also on Friday, Arsenal announced the signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan deal.
Arsenal have identified the 35-year-old as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, and his arrival will allow Aaron Ramsdale to complete his move to Southampton.
As ESPN reported on Thursday, Ramsdale has agreed a deal worth up to £25 million ($33 million) including add-ons.
