Drogba To Pen New Blues Contract

The Cote d'Ivoire hit-man has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge since Jose Mourinho's acrimonious departure in November of last year.

The two had a close professional relationship and it had been widely suggested that the 30-year-old would follow the Special One to his new club.

When that turned out to be Internazionale earlier this summer, the possibility was almost certainly ruled out when the Portuguese coach declared he would not be signing any strikers.

Their city rivals Milan remained outside contenders for the former Marseille man's services as they looked to ease their striking woes, but instead opted for a less goal-scoring but more creative forward influence in the form of Ronaldinho.

With Real Madrid's interest also nothing but paper talk, the only option left for the striker is thought to be Barcelona, who are lining up "four or five" possible replacements for Samuel Eto'o.

The Catalan giants have yet been unable to offload the troubled striker, but it is thought he has offers from several clubs and is still looking to engineer a transfer this summer.

Should he complete a switch, Drogba is said to be top of Barcelona's list along with the likes of Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor, who just recently pledged his loyalty to the Gunners, as well as David Villa, who is willing to stay at a cash-strapped Valencia side.

The Blues have remained adamant that they will be keeping their star striker, with both manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and chief executive Peter Kenyon underlining the club's stance on the matter. The player had thus far been silent, but has now emerged to suggest he will be signing a new contract in the near future.

However, the temperamental star has long been notorious for making inaccurate remarks to the media and his future remains far from resolved.

"I am confident talks with Chelsea will lead to a positive resolve about my future," he has been quoted as saying.


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