Arsenal’s director of football, Edu Gasper, has revealed that the club did not initially plan to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea during the transfer window. However, the Gunners took advantage of a market opportunity when it became available, acquiring the 29-year-old on loan until the end of the season.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Gasper was transparent about the Gunners’ unexpected move. He explained that although they did not anticipate signing Sterling, they always prioritized being prepared for any scenario.

“We never planned really to sign him when we started the transfer window, for different reasons,” Gasper said. “But we always say to everyone that you have to be prepared for every single scenario. And when that opportunity came to me and I checked the squad, I checked how he plays, and spoke to Mikel [Arteta] and Tim [Lewis]… it made a lot of sense to have someone like him because I’m pretty sure he is going to add a lot in the squad.”

The Gunners are set to present Sterling to the Emirates crowd ahead of their early kickoff against Brighton on Saturday.