STER CRAZY

Arteta insists it took just 10 seconds to know he had to sign England ace Raheem

- JOHN CROSS

MIKEL ARTETA knew within "10 seconds" he wanted to sign Raheem Sterling.

England star Sterling, 29, told Arteta it was his "dream" to sign for Arsenal and the deal was effectively sealed in that phone call.

Arteta says Sterling is the ultimate big-game player and will be ready to throw him into the North London derby either from the start or as a substitute.

Gunners boss Arteta, who coached and brought the best out of Sterling in his time at Manchester City, believes the loan signing will be a huge hit because of his mentality and desire to prove a point to parent club Chelsea.

Arteta said: "The first call I had with him I knew in the first 10 seconds we had to bring him here because he really wanted it.

"That was my only question mark, 'What stage is he at in his career?' After 10 seconds I knew already before the next q uestions we needed him here.