Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has suggested that Didier Drogba and club owner Roman Abramovich must decide whether or not the Ivorian striker plays on for another year.

At 37 years old, Drogba is now the Blues’ third-choice striker. He has served them excellently across two terms but is heading toward the conclusion of a memorable career. Mourinho indicates it isn’t his prerogative to decide whether or not Drogba remains at the club, as reported by Tom Sheen of The Independent:

I didn’t speak with him (yet). I think it belongs to him: what he feels, what he thinks. 

This is a club thing. This is a Mr. Abramovich thing. Mr. Abramovich wants him to do what he wants in the club, but it’s something Mr. Abramovich has to tell him. 

He has to decide. But, obviously, he belongs to the history of this club. These guys are special players.

Drogba has made five starts and 20 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, netting three goals, per WhoScored.com. He also tallied two goals in five UEFA Champions League displays and grabbed a strike en route to Capital One Cup success.

Even so, he is very much fulfilling the role of cover for Diego Costa and Loic Remy.

Mourinho proved injuries to both doesn’t guarantee Drogba a start during the recent 0-0 draw with Arsenal in which Chelsea lined up without a recognised striker. Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC believes Drogba will be pushed out for Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi:

Chelsea continue to be linked with the Argentinian, as reported by ESPN FC’s Miguel Delaney.

 

Griezmann, Koke Pursuits Dampened by Transfer Ban?

A developing story in Spain suggests Atletico Madrid may be on the verge of receiving a transfer ban after the illegal signing of underage players, as reported by Jose Ramon de la Morena of radio station Cadena Ser (h/t Charles Ventura of FOX Sports).

This could potentially eliminate rumours suggesting Chelsea are looking to sign forward Antoine Griezmann and midfielder Koke from the club.

Pete Jenson of MailOnline believes the west London club are “interested” in triggering Griezmann‘s £43 million buyout clause, while AS (h/t Ashley Clements of MailOnline) previously indicated the club sent technical director Michael Emenalo to watch Koke in action.

Both potential deals would be placed in jeopardy if Atletico cannot purchase replacements. If FIFA impose a ban, Atletico “will be immediately banned from all transfer activity for the next two windows,” per Cadena Ser (h/t Marca).

Real Madrid have denied claims they are also in line to receive a ban, per the club’s official website. However, the Spanish FA notes “a notice to this effect has been served concerning Atletico,” per Jose Felix Diaz of Marca.

Mourinho may have to rethink his summer business if this comes to fruition. Atletico boss Diego Simeone saw Costa and Filipe Luis join Chelsea last year, and he is unlikely to sanction further moves if he can’t replace his top stars.

Chelsea’s squad is full of quality and possesses the strength in depth needed to dominate England. However, reinforcements are needed if a successful assault on Europe is to commence.

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