Reports in The Sun today suggest that Chelsea are closing in on signing a player that has been labelled the new Didier Drogba. Barcelona have pulled out of the chase for Romelu Lukaku and the 17 year old Anderlecht forward looks set to join Chelsea for a fee in the region of £18m. However, Lukaku is also being tracked by Arsenal and other European clubs.

Chelsea is the starlet’s most likely destination now that Barcelona have pulled out and will now turn their intentions to ex-Manchester United and current Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi instead.

Chelsea are in the market for the youngster because they are keen to strengthen their attacking options with Nicolas Anelka and the current Didier Drogba both the run side of 30, and Daniel Sturridge looking to move to Bolton on a permanent deal – after spending time on loan their this season.

Lukaku seems to be the man Chelsea want and his pedigree is established with 35 goals in 87 games for Anderlecht – that is nearly a goal every 2.5 games. The Belgium international is flattered to be compared with Didier Drogba – but keen to be his own man. Lukaku said “I’m flattered to be compared to a great striker like Didier but insist on being my own player.” On the link to a move to the Premier League he commented “My style is best suited to the English Premier League, so a move to England is more likely than a switch to Spain or anywhere else in Europe.”

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