Arsenal transfer news: Daniel Sturridge linked with move away from Liverpool with odds slashed on next club

Sturridge has been left out of the starting line-up for Liverpool's last two matches, though Jürgen Klopp would leave himself little time to find a replacement

Bookmakers have cut odds on Daniel Sturridge joining Arsenal (Getty)

Bookmakers have slashed odds on Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge joining Arsenal amid reports that the striker is unhappy with his role under manager Jürgen Klopp.

A clear-out is already expected at Liverpool on deadline day, with Mario Balotelli, Mamadou Sakho, Lazar Markovic and Tiago Ilori all closing in on moves away from the club. However, rumours are circulating that Engand international Sturridge could become a shock addition to that list, and bookmakers have responded immediately by cutting the chance of Sturridge moving to the Emirates Stadium from 7/1 to 27/10.

Despite the reports, The Independent understands that Liverpool are not expecting Arsenal to bid for Sturridge, and would not be willing to let the striker leave the club this summer under any circumstances, especially to move to a main league rival.

The likelihood of Klopp allowing Sturridge to leave Liverpool on deadline day is almost non-existent, with the German already allowing Christian Benteke to move to Crystal Palace in a £32m deal earlier this month. With Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi also available to Klopp, the German manager would leave himself with just two strikers should he sell Sturridge, which would leave Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge desperately short on attacking options.

Sturridge has cut a frustrated figure of late though after dropping to the bench for both the League Cup victory over Burton Albion and Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham, with one picture gaining attention for the striker’s so-called ‘death stare’.

Despite coming off the substitutes’ bench to score twice against Burton, Sturridge had to make do with being left out of the side that started the match against Spurs, and was not introduced until the 88th minute when he replaced Sadio Mane, having seen Origi sent on nearly 20 minutes earlier.

Daniel Sturridge club after deadline day odds

Liverpool – still 3/20

Arsenal – 14/5

PSG – 37/2

Tottenham – 37/2

Leicester – 24/1

West Ham – 34/1

Chelsea – 34/1

Man City – 40/1

Arsenal completed the signing of Spanish striker Lucas Perez on Tuesday, but there has been suggestions that the Gunners are still active in the transfer market and would move for another striker if one of their targets became available. Sturridge would challenge Olivier Giroud for the starting spot as Arsenal’s lead striker, although there remain questions over his long-term fitness as he has suffered heavily from injuries during his three years at Anfield.

Klopp spoke openly about his decision to leave Sturridge out of the match against Spurs, but hinted that he is only being careful about his return to fitness after a difficult pre-season.

“I can only pick 11 players for the start,” Klopp said at the weekend.

"I make these decisions never against one player so I’m really happy that we have him and he will play, he will score and all will be good.

“He has now made three games. He did not have a perfect pre-season. That’s how it is.”

(Odds provided by Betsafe)