RAHEEM STERLING has been urged to seek a “fresh challenge” at Premier League side Fulham.
The 30-year-old winger is set to return to Chelsea now that his season-long loan at Arsenal has ended.
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Sterling hoped to revive his career under Mikel Arteta after being frozen out by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca last summer.
But he failed to make an impact at the Emirates, scoring just once in 28 appearances.
The four-time Premier League winner started just SEVEN out of 29 available league games this season.
Sterling struggled for game-time, with Arteta even reluctant to rely on him during Arsenal‘s injury crisis in forward areas.
The Spaniard often played 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to cover Bukayo Saka‘s right flank and turned midfielder Mikel Merino into a No 9 when Kai Havertz was ruled out for months.
While Sterling is now set to return to Chelsea, he does not have a future at the club while Maresca is still in charge.
But ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has tipped the England international for another Prem club this summer.
Gallas thinks Sterling could benefit from following several Arsenal stars who have left North London for game time at Fulham.
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Gallas told Casino Games: “I think it’s time for a fresh challenge for Sterling.
“I think one of Arteta’s biggest mistakes has been a lack of rotation at times because they have picked up injuries.
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“You have to give players a rest at certain times, but with Sterling, he must be frustrated, maybe he will want to stay in the Premier League and in London.
“He’s 30 now, but maybe a club like Fulham could give him that opportunity and more chances to play.”
The Cottagers enjoyed another steady season under Marco Silva, finishing 11th in the Prem and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, midfielder Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe all joined Fulham from the Gunners over the last few seasons, while Willian played for all three clubs, including Chelsea.
Sterling was one of the marquee signings of the early Todd Boehly era, joining for £47.5m in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City.
He earns an eye-watering £325,000-per-week in wages, with his contract expiring in 2027.
Sterling enjoyed the best period of his career at Man City, scoring over 100 goals for the club and lifting 12 trophies.
The Wembley-born winger was named PFA Young Player of the Year at City in 2018/2019.
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