Italian media claim Didier Drogba wants his Shanghai Shenhua contract terminated, sparking a bidding war between Juventus, Lazio and Milan.
The former Chelsea striker has reportedly sent a letter to Shanghai Shenhua asking for his deal to be terminated. That would then open the door to a free transfer back to Europe.
Drogba joined Shanghai Shenhua last summer after leading Chelsea to FA Cup and UEFA Champions League glory. He scored eight goals in 11 Chinese Super League games, but Shanghai struggled and finished ninth in the 16-team CSL.
Instability has hampered Shanghai Shenhua for much of Drogba’s time there. A boardroom dispute saw some players go unpaid and morale is reportedly low within the squad.
Drogba wants out of China and he wants to play in Serie A, but the stumbling block remains his wage demands. Sky Sport Italia suggest Drogba has slightly lowered his expectations, so he would want €4m from now until the end of the season, plus a further €6m for the 2013-14 campaign.
Milan appear to be in pole position after giving up on Kaka because Real Madrid would not release him on loan. Juventus and also Lazio are said to be tracking Drogba’s situation, particularly if he can get away on a free transfer.
Even at 34, Drogba showed last season, that he can still be one of the top strikers in Europe when he puts his mind to it.
The worry I would have in him going to Milan is team chemistry. Drogba is known for a big ego, and Milan have a budding superstar in El Shaarawy, who has scored 14 goals for Milan this season. Could Drogba play second fiddle to El Shaarawy?
That is why Juventus might be the better choice. The Juventus dressing room contains big figures like Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo who would keep Drogba in check.
