Arsenal sign Chelsea outcast Sterling on loan in last-minute deal

Arsenal beat the buzzer.

The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Friday, getting an extension beyond the 6 p.m. ET deadline to complete the deal for the winger.

The 29-year-old had been told in no uncertain terms that he was not part of new manager Enzo Maresca's plans at Chelsea this season. Sterling was dropped for the Blues' first two matches of the Premier League season, prompting him to look at alternative options.

The most concrete, which developed just hours before the deadline, was a switch to north London.

"Well to be fair, we never planned really to sign him when we started the transfer window, just to be very transparent. For different reasons. But we always say to everyone that you have to be prepared for every single scenario," Arsenal sporting director Edu explained. "So when that opportunity came to me, and I checked the squad, I checked how he plays, and spoke to Mikel (Arteta) of course."

Edu continued: "He has experience, he understands more than anyone the league, he's played in the Champions League many times. He won the Premier League a few times as well, so I think he can add a lot to our squad and I feel really happy to see someone like him in our squad."

The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward is reportedly excited about the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta's title-chasing team. Sterling and Arteta worked together at Manchester City and still have a strong relationship.

Sterling was a regular contributor for Chelsea last season, making 31 Premier League appearances and scoring eight goals.

Chelsea leaving Sterling out of the matchday squad for the opening game of the new season blindsided him before Maresca confirmed it was in his best interest to look elsewhere for playing time.

"I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers," Maresca said earlier in August.

"We have a big squad, and it's impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes, it's better for them to leave. I try to be honest."