COME ONBOARD: Drogba (left) would love to see Vieira playing for Chelsea

CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba has revealed he would welcome Patrick Vieira at Stamford Bridge after the Blues were linked with the former Arsenal midfielder.

The Blues are reportedly tracking the out-of-favour Inter Milan star as Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield resources will be depleted in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Arsenal legend Vieira, who spent nine seasons with the Gunners prior to leaving in 2005, could be the man to fill the void – a move welcomed by Drogba.

However, Chelsea are currently banned from signing players until 2011 following their illegal pursuit of Gael Kakuta, but that embargo is being appealed by the Londoners. Vieira was at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-0 on Sunday and Drogba believes the 33-year-old would be a good addition for Ancelotti.

“Viera will be a good addition to our squad, if we can recruit,” Drogba told RTL. “We know that we will lose two midfielders in January. John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien will be in Angola for the African Cup of Nations.

“Vieira? We’d take him anytime. We played against him in preseason in America. He was ready, in good form and match fit,” he said.

Chelsea are now top of the table with 21 points from eight matches as the Premier League takes a break for the World Cup qualifiers. Champions Manchester United are second with 19 points.