Drogba’s staying and we are ready to spend, say Chelsea
CHELSEA have attempted to nail speculation linking Didier Drogba with a move away by categorically declaring the striker will remain at Stamford Bridge next season.
Drogba’s agent revealed earlier this month that Manchester City had made contact over a transfer, and hinted that the Ivory Coast star could be tempted by a move to Eastlands.
But Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay yesterday dismissed any prospect of the
Premier League champions selling their top scorer, who has two years left on his current contract.
“Didier will be a Chelsea player next year,” said Gourlay. “Didier is under contract. The thing about this time of year is we always get [this]. For our players to be in the news – it’s normal. But Didier Drogba will be a Chelsea player next year.”
Brazil’s World Cup midfielder Ramires, of Benfica, is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the next few days in a deal that could be worth as much as £20m.
Besides that, however, the club have been quiet in the transfer market, with the £5m purchase of Yossi Benayoun’s from Liverpool their only senior signing.
But Gourlay said: “If Carlo wants to bring a player or two into the squad then we will look at that. It has to be the right player to fit into the squad and obviously at the right price. If these things all come together then fine, we’ll strengthen the squad.”