Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has suggested that Liverpool will miss the presence of Raheem Sterling this season despite the addition of Roberto Firmino.
The Reds sold the England international to Manchester City for £49m after he signalled his desire to leave the club by refusing to sign a new contract.
Brendan Rodgers's side invested the money gained from Sterling's sale in a £29m move for Firmino, as well as signing Christian Benteke for £32m. However, despite the heavy outlay of cash, Wenger still believes that the Merseysiders will miss the 20-year-old's quality.
He told reporters: "I personally rate Raheem Sterling. We will see that in the longer term. I personally don't think that Sterling was making a lot of drama. It's just during the transfer window that that happened.
"During the season, the boy was quiet - never made any stupid statement. I don't think he made too much noise. He's a quality player. They bought Firmino. We will see what he will produce. He is a similar player.
"But let's remember, two years ago with [Luis] Suarez, [Daniel] Sturridge, Sterling, they scored over a hundred goals. To score more than a hundred goals in the Premier League, you need special quality, and Sterling was part of that."
Arsenal face Liverpool in their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium later today.
Simon Sinclair
