Ricardo Quaresma has arrived at Chelsea on loan until the end of the season, with Phil Scolari hoping that the Portuguese winger can revive the Blues’ flagging season. There’s little doubt that the 25-year-old has the potential to become a star at Stamford Bridge, and it’s possible that the deal could become permanent in the summer, with a certain striker moving the other way.
Didier Drogba has spoken many times about leaving the west London club and, with the Ivorian being used only sparingly at the moment, it’s entirely possible that he’ll decide to finally exit for pastures new. The Daily Mirror have put two and two together after the Quaresma loan deal, even going as far as to claim Jose Mourinho tried to sign Deputy Drog before the transfer window closed.
Jose Mourinho made a late chase to try and take Didier Drogba to Inter Milan as part of the deal which saw winger Ricardo Quaresma go to Chelsea.
But the Serie A side hope waiving the loan fee for the Portuguese international will help secure the Ivory Coast striker in the summer.
Drogba, 30, is out of contract in 2010 and will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. He is still needed by Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in this campaign with Nicolas Anelka the only other recognised striker.
But Drogba revealed in his autobiography last year that Mourinho had promised they would work together again after the self-styled Special One first signed him for £24m after his arrival at Chelsea in 2004.
There’s some doubt surrounding the future of Phil Scolari at Chelsea, especially if the club experience a potless season. However, Drogba probably feels as though he requires a new challenge after spending the past five seasons with the Premier League club. Would supporters prefer him to stay or go?