Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Hulk Is Ideal Replacement If Didier Drogba Leaves

Chelsea faces the prospect of losing Didier Drogba, and if he goes, Porto’s Hulk is the perfect player to take his place.

According to Mirror Football, the Champions League winners are in “advanced talks” with the Portuguese team over the Brazilian striker. The report states that the Blues have offered  £30 million, but Porto is upping the price to £40 million.

Chelsea’s transfer-market strategy has never involved much tact or subtlety, so it is unsurprising that clubs are asking for exorbitant prices from Roman Abramovich. Still, if the Russian is willing to splurge, Hulk is the player to throw money at.

He put away 16 goals in 21 starts in league games this past season for his club. He is a lethal goal scorer with both pace and strength.

Didier Drogba, whose heroics helped Chelsea win the UCL, is rumored to be leaving Stamford Bridge to join former teammate Nikolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua, according to the Independent.

If the longtime Blues’ striker does head east, then Hulk would be a perfect substitute to fill his role, as the two possess many of the same qualities.

Chelsea had a lot of success at the end of the season playing a very defensive style. This often left Drogba up top by himself against the opposition's entire back line.

The Ivorian is remarkably strong, and this allowed him to hold off defenders and retain possession, giving the Chelsea defense time to catch its breath and reset.

Hulk, as one might guess from his name, is also a very strong player. He often plays on the wing, but also has the ability to move to the center and put pressure on opposing team’s center backs.

It is this versatility that will also make Hulk worth the money. After signing Lille’s Eden Hazard and Werder Bremen’s Marko Marin, the Blues seem determined to be more aggressive in the attack.

With new offensive-minded players, Hulk will be very valuable because of his ability to play in the center or towards the touchline.

In most games, Chelsea will want to open up the field and create space for its new talent. But if the team finds itself in a matchup where they are forced to pack the back, the Brazilian can play center forward and out-muscle defenders in order to keep the ball. 

The 25-year-old is young and talented, and his style of play is perfect for Chelsea, especially if Drogba does not return to Stamford Bridge.