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29 March 2024

Is Balotelli Chelsea's shock Drogba?

Mario Balotelli during Italy training session on November 12, 2012 in Collecchio, Italy. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Chelsea have a battle on their hands to lure Radamel Falcao to Stamford Bridge especially since Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has also made the Colombian striker his top January target.

Despite his denials, Mancini is exasperated with the antics of Mario Balotelli whom he considers to be more of a liability.

The controversial Italian was seen partying just 12 hours before the league clash against Spurs in the latest incident.

Balotelli had been axed from the City squad the previous day and told he was not required at the team hotel that night, the report added.

But he could still have been needed had one of the other three strikers been taken ill.

Reports emerged last week that City were making a shock swoop for Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez in the clearest indication they want to put Balotelli for sale.

Chelsea have their own problems with their most expensive player Fernando Torres increasingly becoming a liability because of his failure to find the net.

Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has given him plenty of opportunities but is running out of patience.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich expected Torres to fill the vacuum left by the summer departure of Didier Drogba.

Instead, Torres has failed miserably with Blues fans yearning for the return of Drogba or seeing red-hot Atletico Madrid striker at Stamford Bridge.

Balotelli in contrast is unhappy at being down the pecking order at Etihad Stadium with Mancini having the luxury of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko at his disposal.

Di Matteo need not look far to find a striker who could really fill the golden boots of Drogba.

Balotelli has the burning desire and ambition to succeed given the opportunity and could be a hit at Stamford Bridge even if they land Radamel Falcao.