Not content with spending £50 million on a striker who hasn’t scored yet, Chelsea will pursue Borussia Dortmund forward Lucas Barrios in the summer as a potential replacement for Didier Drogba. This comes just days after professing his interest in a future move to one of Europe's top clubs and Chelsea would certainly fit the bill.

Barrios told Sky Sport: "It's pleasing to know Italian clubs are interested in me. I have always been fascinated by Serie A, but La Liga and the Premier League are also leagues I would like to play in one day."

According to talkSPORT, Carlo Ancelotti's side have been monitoring 26-year-old Barrios over the last few months, and are considering making a £17.5 million bid for his services.

The Paraguayan forward has scored 11 goals in 23 Bundesliga matches for Dortmund this year, and has played a considerable role in his team's phenomenal campaign. With 10 matches left to be played, Dortmund have a 12-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen. Barrios form in his debut season last year was outstanding, finishing third in the Bundesliga top scorer of 2010 with 19 goals in 33 games.

While not a striker with the biggest reputation in Europe right now his current employers know interest is high in their prized asset and are thought to be preparing a new contract for Barrios to try ward off any interest.

The lure of Chelsea may be too great for the Paraguayan however. The player clearly has ambitions and despite Dortmund’s fantastic season no one will be putting bets on them for Champions League glory next season, something every player craves.

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