'I played for Arsenal – it's clear Mikel Arteta doesn't trust one player'

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Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant believes it is ‘clear’ that Mikel Arteta does not ‘trust’ one of his players.

The Gunners are attempting to win their first Premier League title since 2004 following back-to-back near misses under Arteta.

Arsenal are currently third, two points behind London rivals Chelsea and a further four adrift of Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.

In a bid to take his team to the next level and finally lift the Premier League trophy, Arteta bolstered his Arsenal squad with several signings last summer.

David Raya’s loan move was made permanent and Arsenal spent around £75m to bring Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal also launched a surprise move for Raheem Sterling, signing the England international on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.

Sterling hoped to revive his career in north London after being told to leave by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, but has struggled for game-time under Arteta, starting just two league games.

Pennant believes Sterling’s lack of game-time indicates he has not earned the trust of Arteta and doubts he will be able to salvage his Arsenal career.

‘It's clear to me that Mikel Arteta doesn't trust Raheem Sterling,’ Pennant told Instant Casino.

‘Against Everton they needed some spark to open the door, and he was left on the bench. He's getting overlooked for younger talent.

‘There is a great player in there of course, but he isn't getting any younger.

‘I wouldn't go as far as to say that he will get his contract terminated because of respect and the service he has given in the Premier League, but I don't think he will be seen in an Arsenal shirt too often again.’

Sterling’s spell at Arsenal has suffered another blow after he picked up a knee injury ahead of the festive period.

Discussing the injury setback at his pre-Ipswich Town press conference, Arteta said: ‘He's going to be out for weeks.

‘He needs some further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of the injury. It's his knee and we have to wait another 24 hours, but unfortunately he's going to be out for a while.’

Speaking earlier this week, Arsenal legend Ian Wright admitted the signing of Sterling ‘has not worked’.

‘He’s not even getting a look in even when we can’t score,’ the former striker said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.

‘I genuinely wanted it to work and when it came out that it might be happening.

‘I was genuinely excited because when you looked at Jesus and Martinelli last season, between them it was ten goals and you’re thinking someone like Sterling with his experience coming in to add to that would be exciting

‘It felt like exactly what we needed and it would be perfect but I don’t know why it’s not worked.’

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