Arsenal tailor made for Chelsea’s Sturridge to fulfil potential

With minor doubts surrounding the Arsenal future of Robin Van Persie, there is a growing belief that Arsene Wenger may make a summer swoop for Daniel Sturridge as a possible replacement.

Van Persie only has 18 months remaining on his Arsenal contract and there is now the worry that he may decide against signing an extension.

The European big guns are already circling in the hope of securing a cut-price deal and Van Persie himself as stated that he would welcome the opportunity to play for Real Madrid one day.

Wenger must also know that his star striker leaving in the near future is a distinct possibility and Chelsea forward Sturridge could prove an adequate replacement.

Sturridge is said to be becoming increasingly frustrated with being utilised in a wide role at Chelsea and the 22-year-old’s father has even joined in the debate by suggesting his son is at his best when playing as a central striker.

With Didier Drogba away at the African Nations Cup, Fernando Torres still no closer to rediscovering his scoring form and Chelsea in general experiencing a transitional season, this was arguably the perfect time for Sturridge to showcase his credentials as the club’s main striker.

However, the fact that Andre Villas-Boas has denied him this opportunity does not bode well in suggesting that Sturridge has a future at the club in his chosen position.

Sturridge’s father told the Express: “When Daniel plays in his natural position, which is a central striker, you will see maybe two or three times as much of the player that you see playing on the wings. He can show you a lot more.

“In terms of potential, we have to see him play in that [central] position to see how far he can go.”

Arsenal’s odds are 5/2 to finish in the top four and securing Champions League football would be a major boost to their chances of tempting Sturridge to move across London.