Brazil forward Hulk has confirmed Chelsea are interested in signing him this summer.

The Blues, who are in the market for a talismanic marksman, have been heavily linked with a £35m move for the Zenit St Petersburg star, after failing to land their top striker target Radamel Falcao, who joined big-spending Monaco from Atletico Madrid last week.

Hulk has now admitted there is some truth behind all the speculation linking him with a big-money move to Stamford Bridge but refused to discuss the matter any further.

"If I said there was not anything in it, I would be lying. But that is not for now," the forward stressed.

Hulk
Reuters

Hulk was strongly linked to Chelsea last summer as well but the Blues failed to agree on a transfer fee with the player's former club Porto. The 26-year-old eventually moved to Russia in a big-money move.

However, the player has endured a difficult season with Zenit, falling out of favour with the supporters and causing a few issues in the dressing room due to his high wages. The striker was also the target of racial abuse by the club's fans and received a life threat as well.

It is understood that Zenit are now ready to sell Hulk and Chelsea are keen to capitalise on the situation, by making an offer around £35m for the versatile Brazil international, who can operate as a centre forward or on the flanks.

Hulk is currently preparing for his county's Confederations Cup campaign. The player stated his focus is well and truly on the tournament for now, and not on any potential transfer moves.

"At the moment, I am 100% focused on the Selecao [Brazil team] and I hope to be a Confederations Cup winner with my country. It is a matter of great pride for me to be playing in the yellow jersey, so near to my family. Other matters will have to wait until afterwards," Hulk added.

Chelsea have also been linked to other forwards, mainly Napoli's Edinson Cavani and Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle.

Russia