Shanghai Director Zhou Jun told Reuters in an interview on Monday his club had already spoken to Drogba and were ready to continue their lavish spending if the Ivory Coast international was prepared to switch West London for the Far East.
NEWS:Shenhua seal deal for Anelka
Anelka will become the biggest name to ply his trade in the world's most populous nation when the striker joins Shanghai Shenhua in January. The Chinese club said on Monday it had agreed a two-year deal with the Frenchman.
Zhou, who also expects former Bordeaux coach Jean Tigana to arrive as manager in January, said bringing in foreign talent was essential for the growth of Chinese football, which has been blighted by scandals and corruption in recent years.
"Drogba is an excellent player. We got in touch with him two weeks ago," Zhou told Reuters near Shanghai's Pudong training ground. "From our club's perspective, we have this to say - if he is willing to come, we will definitely welcome him."
The signing of Anelka and pursuit of other marquee players is evidence of the growing financial might of Chinese clubs.
Zhou said the Frenchman would certainly not be taking a paycut.
"People are aware of Anelka's Chelsea yearly salary which is around 5.8 million euros. So when he comes to China it definitely won't be below this figure," he said.
Anelka's arrival would have a major impact on Chinese football, he added. The 32-year-old would raise the standard of football in the country but he would also set an example to young people and inspire them to take up the game.
"It's like with the opening up of China," Zhou said. "We needed to bring in the good stuff from foreign countries for us to learn from."
Shanghai Shenhua, who finished 11th in the league last year, were a young club and Anelka's presence would give players someone to look up to, Zhou added.
Anelka, who's playing career has included stints at Real Madrid, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Fenerbahce, is likely to be joined in Shanghai by compatriot Tigana.
"Tigana, from the looks of it currently, is not a big problem," said Zhou. "When he was last in Shanghai he said the next time he is seen there it would be to coach Shenhua Football Club.
"So if you see Tigana at Shanghai International Airport you know he's our coach."
NEWS:Shenhua seal deal for Anelka
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023
