Striker swap deal mooted

Chelsea are ready to let Daniel Sturridge leave and he could be on his way to Arsenal with Theo Walcott moving the other way.

Sturridge has struggled to push his way into the Chelsea first-team this season and although a hamstring injury has not helped matters, the forward does not figure in the plans of Roberto Di Matteo. The Italian is willing to cash in when the window re-opens and reports claim a swap deal could be on the cards with Gunners winger Walcott moving the other way. Arsene Wenger is known to be a big admirer of Sturridge and sounded Chelsea out some time ago about a possible move. The former Manchester City star was still in the plans of Andre Villas-Boas at the time but after he was sacked, Sturridge has slipped further down the pecking order. Meanwhile, Chelsea are also keen on Walcott, who has yet to pen a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and it comes as no suprise to see a potential swap deal mooted. There is interest from elsewhere in Sturridge though with both Liverpool and Tottenham also said to be keen if the player is made available, but Chelsea would prefer him to join Arsenal if it means they can land Walcott.