Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already hailed the qualities and drive of Raheem Sterling amid an increase shouts for the Arsenal loanee to be named in the starting line-up.
After a dramatic switch from Chelsea on deadline day, Sterling is now looking to find his stride again. Arteta, who previously nurtured Sterling's talents at Manchester City during a prime spell, isn't hesitant to swap him into the team even if it means sidelining Gabriel Martinelli.
With dips in Martinelli's recent performances, Arteta can lean on stronger bench strength and more formidable options.
In recounting his initial phone chat with Sterling ahead of the Emirates move, Arteta was swiftly swayed by the England international's keenness to contribute, despite recently losing his place in the national squad.
Arteta revealed: "After 10 seconds I knew we had to bring him (to Arsenal) because he really wanted it, and that was my only question mark, what stage is he at in his career? But after 10 seconds I knew.
"He looks great. He has got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy and he wants to prove a point. When someone has got that in their belly you sense it straight away. I don't need to discuss his quality and what he can bring to the team."
Sterling, having struggled to discover his top form at Chelsea, found himself excluded from the matchday squad for their Premier League opener, hinting that under Enzo Maresca, his future in west London was doubtful.
The 29-year-old now has his sights set on securing a regular first-team position at Arsenal and made a substitute appearance in the closing moments of the recent north London Derby, replacing Martinelli whose spot as a starter is becoming increasingly insecure due to fluctuating performances.
When Arsenal boss Arteta was asked about Martinelli's status within the team, he remarked: "We need wingers with ability to go one vs one, to attack the spaces, to have the work rate, to increase the goal threat from every position.
"We have players who can play in various positions in the front line, especially because we have some injuries there. In the past we have to be protected and all the players we have here have these qualities."
Still awaiting his first goal this season, Martinelli hasn't matched his previous best performance from the 2022/23 campaign and has yet to reach double figures in scoring. While players like Leandro Trossard have made their mark and are demonstrating growing importance in the Gunners' line-up.
