Rumour: Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba wanted by Napoli
The January transfer window is still some way off, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours from initiating. Speaking of which, it is being reported by Calciomercato that Napoli are considering a winter transfer window swoop for Ivory Coast legend, Didier Drogba.
The former Chelsea forward, who now plays in the United States of America for Montreal Impact, is being seen as a potential stop-gap replacement for forward Arek Milik, who injured his knee while on international duty representing Poland against Denmark.
The extent of the injury is not known at this time, but it seems as though the Pole will be out for a considerable time as he broke down in tears while giving a live interview through Poland’s official YouTube account. Hence, it could be a while before Napoli get back their young star. In the meantime, they seem to be looking for replacements—more like short-term solutions—to evade the repercussions of being short up front.
And, according to the aforementioned Calciomercato, Didier Drogba seems to be that man. The former Marseille forward has no prior experience of playing in the Serie A. However, he has played in China for Shangai Shenhua and in Turkey for Galatasaray. The highlight of his career, though, was his time with Chelsea.
With 157 goals in 341 games, he enmeshed his name on the walls of eternal Chelsea legends. The goal-per-game ratio might not be as flattering as some other forwards, but it was his brute strength that terrorized and undid many a defense and allowed Frank Lampard to score more freely than any other midfielder of that era.
However, with age going towards the wrong side, Drogba’s best qualities might not be up to the par like it was before, but he is still doing a fine job in the Major League Soccer. Indeed, he has played 28 games for his club in the United States and has scored 21 goals—a ratio that is much better than his time at Chelsea.
MLS goes through a season break mid-season, which allows Drogba to play for another club on a short-term deal and keep match fitness up to par.
It does make sense, then, as to why the Italian club are pursuing him. After losing Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus, Napoli signed Milik as a replacement—and he gave them a blistering start with 7 goals from 8 games.
His goals have helped Napoli stay close to current leaders, Juventus, and a point above 3rd place Roma. And, hence, his injury comes as a huge blow for manager Maurizio Sarri.
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