Didier Drogba Transfer Rumors: Diego Maradona Wants the Ivorian at Al Wasl

Most assumed that Chelsea legend Didier Drogba left Stamford Bridge for a big payday in the Far East. It seems like the flight to get it may not be as long as Drogba originally thought, though.

The Ivorian striker has been heavily linked to a reunion with former Chelsea striking partner Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua. The Frenchman got a huge check after he was forced out of the Chelsea camp, and Drogba is expecting the same (though leaving on much better terms), figuring to be somewhere in the region of £250,000 to £400,000 a week.

It appears, however, that another suitor has now entered the mix. UAE powerhouse Al Wasl states it is “definitely serious” about bringing Drogba to the club. They already boast one of the biggest names in the game's history in head coach Diego Maradona, who is pressing the club to acquire big names after a disappointing season.

Maradona himself, though, is skeptical about the club's ability to lure Drogba to the Middle East. If it comes down to money, Maradona thinks his UAE side does not have a chance:

"

If we had a large budget yes it is possible to attract someone like Drogba. But I don’t think the budget in mind is available here. 

I’ve read a lot about Drogba’s future and I’ve come to believe he’s on the verge of signing for that Chinese team who have offered him millions. I don’t think we can match those figures.

"

Maradona has never been the world’s greatest optimist, and more often than not speaks what is on his tongue when he should swallow it. Statements like this will not help bring Drogba to the club—even if it isn't all about money for the Ivorian.

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