City, Arsenal, Chelsea battle for Sturridge

Manchester City have jointed the battle with Arsenal to lure England striker Daniel Sturridge away from Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Star.

Roberto Mancini is bewildered why he was allowed to go to Chelsea in the first place.

Sturridge left City just six months before the Italian arrived.

The 22-year-old attacking talent has been one of the leading scorers for Chelsea but is unhappy that Andres Villas-Boas is using him in a wide role.

Sturridge prefers to play in an orthodox striking position but has been denied the opportunity at Chelsea where Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres are the first choices.

Although Mancini wonders why he was allowed to leave Etihad Stadium in the first place, it may not be the ideal destination for the youngster given that Mancini has the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko as striking options, all scoring goals.

Then out wide the Italian has quality options like David Silva, Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and James Milner to call upon.

City are rankled by the fact that he made an out-of-contract move although they were awarded £6.5 million for him by a tribunal as compensation.

Further, his market value has increased to £20 million following a string of sensational display and has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Chelsea contract.

Arsenal would be a better option for Sturridge since the north London club are heavily reliant on skipper Robin van Persie and would seek a back-up.

But Chelsea boss would eventually do everything to retain a player who figures in his future plans.

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