By dixon9
June 17 2009

The Mirror claims that Chelsea are looking at the idea of bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Stamford Bridge. I could only imagine us attempting to sign the Inter striker if we were going to let Drogba go.

Another dodgy media claim?

The Mirror report, as expected, doesn’t have any quotes in it (which always arouses suspicion with regard to it’s authenticity doesn’t it?) and also claims that the fee would be around £30m – somewhat cheaper than many media reports have claimed that Inter would want for the player. 

Mourinho himself has even said that he is confident that Ibrahimovic would stay in Milan although there were plenty of rumours that the striker was unhappy with the Inter fans at the end of the season and wanted out.

Whatever Chelsea suits decide to do in the transfer window it is quite clear that we will need a top quality forward.  Drogba will be away for various Ivory Coast fixtures and almost certainly receive at least a 3 match ban (after an appeal) from the Champions League for his tirade after the Barcelona match referee fiasco at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba change of heart over staying in the summer?

It’s also possible that the situation could change for Drogba during this summer.  Maybe he will decide that he wants to be reunited with Mourinho if an agreement can’t be reached for the 3 year deal that the media claim we are offering him?  Should this be the case then Ibrahimovic, at 27, would be an ideal or at least acceptable replacement.

We do also hold a few cards; Mourinho wants Deco and Carvalho – and certainly wouldn’t refuse Drogba should a deal for his current main striker go through with Chelsea.

A poker game? 

Besides the possibility of the report being a load of tosh, any enquiries and bidding on Ibrahimovic could be a design to ensure Barcelona, who are reportedly interested in the player, pay top dollar and therefore weaken their finances for any attempt to sign Ribery from Bayern Munich?  (We already appear to have been playing the same game with Real Madrid by slapping in a substantial bid for David Villa).

My heart says go all out to keep Drogba – he’s simply unplayable when he’s got the bit between the teeth.  That said, if he starts playing up again about wanting out then I wouldn’t mind at all if the Mirror report has some substance to it.