Despite numerous failed attempts from Chelsea to procure Hulk’s signature, it does appear the Blues have renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The 26-year old currently plays for Zenit Saint-Petersburg in the Russian Premier League. This season, Hulk scored seven goals in 18 league games. He signed for the Russian outfit for €40M in 2012.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has long been an admirer of Hulk, and enquired about his services during his time at Real Madrid.
‘There are clubs interested in me, but if I am to move, it has to be to a better place, with a better team in a better competition.’ – Hulk.
His debut season at Zenit hasn’t gone as hoped. Hulk fell out with the manager in January, and has faced racial abuse from his own supporters throughout. He was close to a move during the mid-season transfer window. Even his own teammates fell out with him due to disputes about the difference of pay in each contract.
The stumbling block to sign the Brazilian is his value and wages. While Hulk has openly said joining an ambitious club does interest him, Zenit won’t be prepared to take a hit on his €40M transfer fee.
His wages are said to be around €140K-a-week. There aren’t too many clubs across Europe willing to offload such an amount of money – especially sides who meet Hulk’s ambition.
But Chelsea remain an ever-present possibility all this time. Mourinho sees the forward as a potential game-changer and feels he possesses all the attributes to propel the London side to the Premier League title next season.
No talks have been made between Chelsea and Zenit this summer, but the Russian Premier League side are aware of their interest, and have admitted they will consider any bids for Hulk if they meet his asking price.
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