Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Blues Must Keep Daniel Sturridge at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea can't afford to let Daniel Sturridge go anywhere.

The Blues are only a few days away from battling Manchester City for the Community Shield (Aug. 12), and they need to keep their attacking players on the roster, namely Sturridge. The 22-year-old striker has been linked to Tottenham Hotspur to reunite with Andre Villas-Boas, according to Metro.

Chelsea need to keep Sturridge because Roberto Di Matteo doesn't know what he will get from Fernando Torres. "El Nino" was a world-class striker, but his form has dipped since coming to London. It looks like he will start for Chelsea at the beginning of the year, but if he doesn't find his form, someone will need to step in.

And Sturridge is the perfect candidate.

He had a successful loan out to Bolton, proving that he can score in the English Premier League. His eight goals in 12 matches was an impressive striker rate, and Chelsea would love to have a striker scoring that consistently.

Even if he doesn't start, though, Sturridge should get plenty of playing time. Chelsea will be in four competitions throughout the year, and a team can never have too many strikers (although Manchester City comes close). Sturridge might play in the League Cup, F.A. Cup or even the EPL once Champions League play starts.

And that's if he isn't even the full-time starter.

With that said, he might not be needed this season. If Torres plays well, Sturridge might only play sparingly, which might not make him very happy. However, Chelsea need to stand by their young striker because he has a bright future.

He's strong, fast and has a brilliant shot. He plays with a fearlessness that, if harnessed, could make him one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe. When Sturridge enters his prime, he will be scary to defend.

And that's exactly why Chelsea can't move him across London.

Not only will they have to face Sturridge twice per year, but he will be going to a cross-town rival. Granted, Chelsea and Spurs have bigger rivals than each other, but there's no love lost. If Sturridge moves to Spurs (with a bitter ex-Chelsea manager, mind you), he will be gunning for Chelsea every single time they play.

So, if Chelsea sell Sturridge to Tottenham, they will lose depth for this year, miss out on a future star and give him to a rival.

Therefore, it just makes no sense for Chelsea to sell their young, dynamic striker, Sturridge.