Daniel Sturridge has the potential to be one of Europe’s best strikers when fit.
Daniel Sturridge is a reported transfer target for Arsenal
As speculation regarding the future of Liverpool and England forward Daniel Sturridge continues to mount, the Daily Express claims that Arsenal are interested in bringing the 26-year-old to the Emirates, if their move for Jamie Vardy fails.
Sturridge scored the winner in England’s 2-1 win over Wales on Thursday, and looked sharp in the 45 minutes he played.
It cannot be denied, however, that the former Chelsea and Manchester City man’s fragility has severely hampered the progress of his career. Sturridge has made only 26 Premier League appearances over the last two seasons, and as every year goes by, it will become harder and harder for him to maintain his fitness levels for the duration of the season.
The Premier League is the fastest paced league in the world, and with the arrival of Pep Guardiola, and Jurgen Klopp’s continued influence on his Liverpool side, the intensity levels are only going to increase.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expects the highest levels of fitness amongst his players
Arsenal’s first choice signing in the striking department was Jamie Vardy, and it seemed as though a deal was as good as done a couple of weeks ago. They are still waiting for an answer from Vardy, however, and must be assessing other options in case they don’t get their man.
Now SkyBet have made the Gunners favourites for Sturridge’s signature, pricing him at 4/1 to make the move to London.
Arsene Wenger would be taking a huge and expensive risk in bringing the Liverpool man to Arsenal. The Gunners are a club who have suffered tremendously over recent years with injuries to their key men, and Wenger has been criticised for failing to recruit players capable of handling the physical challenge presented by the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger should be looking at more robust targets than Sturridge
Although Sturridge’s ability is beyond question, his track record with injuries is most certainly not, and Arsenal would be better served looking for a striker with more durable attributes, such as Vardy.
Another point to note is Sturridge’s similarities with Danny Welbeck. Arsenal should be looking for variation in their forward line, after they proved last season they are too one-dimensional and predictable to play against.
Sturridge has to start proving he can handle the rigours of a full Premier League campaign
Arsenal must not go down the route of signing another injury prone player, and start focusing their player recruitment on more robust, modern athletes. Until they do, their injury problems will continue to mount.
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