Chelsea have started off this season far different to those of recent years- last year’s FA Cup winners have not just failed to get the necessary results on the pitch, but have suffered quite a bit of drama off it.

Chelsea has stuttered at the start of this Premiership campaign, amassing just twelve points from their first eight games. Granted, they have been hit by a few injuries but some poor performances have seen them fall seven points off top spot having played a game more. We also saw the departure of Jose Mourinho by ‘mutual consent’ and Avram Grant promoted to replace him; this swap is rumoured to have made members of Chelsea’s squad not too happy with life.

The first player to be linked with a move out of Chelsea is Ivory Coast talisman Didier Drogba. The forward has been linked with Real Madrid; could he become their next Galactico? The story originated in Spanish tabloid Marca (about as reliable as The Sun), so take the story with a truckload of salt- however after Mourinho’s departure, Drogba was rumoured to be one of the most upset and seriously considering his future. According to Marca, the player’s agents have already met with members of the Real Madrid hierarchy about Drogba plying his trade there next season. A move in January was looked at but not favoured by Madrid due to the Ivory Coast’s participation in the African Cup of Nations, so any possible deal will take place in the summer.

Real Madrid already have a long list of strikers- Ruud van Nistelrooy, Raul, Javier Saviola, Robert Soldado, Robinho, Julio Baptista and Gonzalo Higuain all capable of playing up front and considering Drogba’s age the rumour that Chelsea’s number 11 will join the ranks at the Bernabeu may be as unlikely as it seems. Do not bet against Drogba leaving however- AC Milan are still looking for a proficient striker after the departure of Shevchenko last season and have money to burn, while plenty of other top clubs will be interested at Drogba’s possible availability.