'Can compete with any player': Mikel Arteta says Arsenal talent has been truly 'exceptional' in training lately

Today at 04:15 AM

Arsenal are in a great place right now, sitting third in the Premier League table and also excelling in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

The Gunners have made great progress with each passing season and have now been in the title picture for three years in a row.

Arsenal made some strong signings over the summer, bolstering their ranks considerably.

For instance, they landed Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino to strengthen their defence and midfield.

Then, right before the transfer deadline, they swooped in with an exciting loan acquisition that had everyone in the game talking.

Arsenal wrapped up their summer transfer activity by bringing Raheem Sterling to the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea.

Sterling is being eased into action at Arsenal, with five appearances in all competitions totalling 184 minutes of game time thus far.

However, the 29-year-old has already shown glimpses of his world-class quality as he registered a goal and an assist in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton.

Now, Arteta has made an exciting admission about Sterling ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.

Raheem Sterling “exceptional” in Arsenal training

Arteta, speaking at his pre-match press conference, said Sterling has been “exceptional” in training and can compete with any player on his day.

"He is in a really good moment right now – in the last training sessions he was exceptional," Arteta told The Mirror.

"Raheem at his best can compete with any player for sure."

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta says one Arsenal star will always say he's fit to play even when he's not

Arteta can work Havertz magic on Sterling

When Arsenal signed Kai Havertz, it took him a while to truly get going at the club, but now he’s a truly indispensable player for the Gunners.

Sterling, like Havertz, wasn’t having much luck at Chelsea, but already he’s showing signs that he has a lot to offer Arsenal.

There’s no doubt that Arteta can work magic on Sterling just as he did with Havertz, and hopefully Arsenal can make Chelsea regret their decision to offload him.

When do Arsenal face Bournemouth?

Arsenal are scheduled to kick off against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium at 5:30pm on Saturday 19 October.