Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Eyeing Argentine Striker to Replace Drogba Next Season

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi as manager Jose Mourinho looks for someone to replace Didier Drogba.

After enduring a trophyless 2013/14 campaign, the Blues offloaded their strikers Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o and replaced them with Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Didier Drogba.

Costa proved to be an instant hit in the Premier League getting regular goals for his side this season. Remy despite not starting regularly this season, has also proved to be a good signing, scoring some important goals for his side.

However, Drogba, who was once an excellent striker terrorising defences with his speed and clinical finishing seems to be past his prime as he has been poor this season.

The 37-year-old striker, who has started in the Blues' last two Premier League fixtures against Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United due to Costa and Remy being injured, was unimpressive in both these games.

As a result, Chelsea are reportedly looking for a new striker and, according to the ESPN, Mourinho has identified Inter Milan's Icardi as his primary target in the summer transfer window.

It is believed that the West London club has already made contacts with Inter Milan to discuss the potential transfer of the 22-year-old striker, who is reportedly a perfect option for Mourinho.

Icardi, who moved from Sampdoria to Inter Milan for an undisclosed transfer fee in the summer of 2013, has been impressive this season scoring 16 goals in 29 Serie A games so far this season.

Considering Inter Milan's chances of qualifying for next season's European competitions are pretty slim, the Argentine will probably be open to a move to Chelsea, who are right on course to lift the Premier League title this season.

Since the 22-year-old still has three more years remaining on his current contract, the Blues will probably have to pay a good deal of money to prize the striker out of the San Siro this summer.

Apart from a striker, the Blues are reportedly also on the hunt for a new back-up goalkeeper, with Petr Cech likely to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.