Chelsea FC are planning a summer swoop for young Malaga striker Jose Solomon Rondon in a bid to replace the departing Didier Drogba as their Russian owner Roman Abramovich continues to spend to rebuild the squad.
The European champions banked heavily on the 35 year old Drogba last season in their quest for trophies and realise the importance of replacing him. The club has decided to build the squad around their struggling Spanish striker Fernando Torres and chose not to renew Drogba’s contract when it ended this summer. Chelsea have long been linked with Porto star Hulk but according to the latest reports coming from the player’s agent, the deal for the strong Brazilian winger is far from done. The asking price of £38m is deemed to be too much by Abramovich, so Chelsea have shifted their focus to the Venezuelan as a possible alternative.
Chelsea scouts were present in the stadium to watch the 22 year old play but the young star failed to impress as Venezuela slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Chile. Malaga hold the striker in high regard and value him at £20m, which Chelsea officials aren’t willing to cough up for the strong striker. Rondon is a strong and imposing figure and is expected to shine in the Premier league if the deal materializes.
The London club have already signed Eden Hazard and Marko Marin this summer but have been linked to a host of other names in Europe and beyond. The Blues are still interested in signing Hulk but should that deal fail, they might consider Rondon as a serious option.