Chelsea Transfer Rumours: 6 Possible Replacements for Didier Drogba

For over seven years, Didier Drogba has put fear into the defenses of the English Premier League.

Since coming to Chelsea in 2004, the Ivory Coast international has made 329 appearances scoring 153 goals and adding 70 assists.

The Ivorian looks like he'll depart Chelsea at the end of the season, leaving the club with one major question: Who will replace Didier Drogba?

Fernando Torres

The acquisition of Fernando Torres was meant to signal the end of Didier Drogba in the Blues' long-term plans.

However, so far that plan has largely been a colossal failure.

Torres has still scored more goals for Liverpool in the second half of the 2010 season than he has scored for Chelsea since his move in January of 2011.

Nevertheless, in the last few weeks since the departure of manager Andre Villas-Boas, the Spaniard is looking more like his old self.

His major lack of confidence was a partial hold over from his final days at Liverpool in many minds, but that is still no excuse.

El Nino has all the tools to take up the mantel of Drogba. He is one of the most clinical finishers in the game when he is on form, and his desire to score once he gets hot is unquenchable.

The biggest enemy to Torres having a chance to take over the front line of Chelsea permanently is all on his own shoulders.

Radamel Falcao

Although it has only been a year since he moved to Atletico Madrid from FC Porto, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao could be a goal-scoring threat to take the Drogba's place.

Chelsea targeted Falcao last summer before he agreed to move to Spain. Fear that his production in top-flight football might curtail also may have tempted the London side to not break the bank to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

However, with 25 goals in 35 games in La Liga, Falcao has proven that he can score just as effectively in a stronger league. He has him been linked to Chelsea by both Givemefootball.com and The Week.

Demba Ba

Newcastle and Senegal striker Demba Ba is, without a doubt, one of the best free transfers of all time. He joined the Magpies over the summer, and has become one of their most prized possession scoring 16 goals in 28 appearances.

Relatively unknown before bursting onto the scene with West Ham United last season, Ba has become a highly desired striker in the Premier League.

Chelsea look at his 6'2" frame and his age (26 years old) and see a ready-made replacement for Drogba.

The Express and the Guardian both have linked Ba with a possible move to Chelsea.

Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani is another striker with the height of Drogba that has been linked to the club.

However, the Uruguayan is more frail than Drogba and could take a major beating on the front lines.

None the less, his skill makes him irresistible.

Having only moved to Napoli in 2010 on the heels of back-to-back 15-goal seasons with Palermo. Cavani could be a major transfer bread winner for the Neapolitan club if sold.

Scoring 61 goals in 86 games (an astonishing strike rate of almost 75 percent) ensures the Blues will still maintain their interest.

Goal.com believes that the Blues lead the list of clubs set to sign Cavani, while Metro claims that the London club have already opened talks with the player.

Seydou Doumbia

Seydou Doumbia could be the one Ivory Coast player with a chance of replacing Drogba.

Although he is not a major name in the transfer market because he plays in Russia's Premier League, the 33 goals he has scored in 41 appearances between 2011-12 is no easy feat.

CSKA Moscow will be hoping to keep a hold of him, but if a major side came calling, they could have their hand forced.

Gonzalo Higuain

Reports broke on Monday and Tuesday that Chelsea were reported to be making an  agreement for both Higuain and former Manchester United starlet Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Telegraph and NESN both have reported that any deal would only include Higuain, noting that Real Madrid would not allow Ronaldo to leave in his prime.

Higuain is having another banner year as he already has 22 goals and eight assists with about a third of the season left to play.

Moving to England could see the Argentine fully reach his potential. Currently, the existence of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have, at times, hampered even further success for him in Spain.

A partnership with Fernando Torres and Juan Mata could be a major step in the right direction for the South American.

Conclusion

Chelsea are no doubt going to miss Didier Drogba after he takes his final bow for the club.

There is enough talent to get them through at least a few weeks, but the lack of a strong physical presence is likely to cause the Londoners frustration.

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