Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed a deal for Nicolas Anelka to move to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January.
Terms agreed for Frenchman to move to Far East
Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed a deal for Nicolas Anelka to move to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January.
Stamford Bridge boss Andre Villas-Boas revealed earlier in December that a transfer request from the out-of-favour Frenchman had been accepted.
And ahead of Monday night's crucial match against Premier League leaders Manchester City, Chelsea have announced an agreement has been struck which will see Anelka, a January 2008 signing from Bolton, move to the Far East.
A statement on their
official website read: "Chelsea Football Club and Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua have agreed terms for the permanent transfer of Nicolas Anelka in the January transfer window."
Since arriving from Bolton, 32-year-old Anelka has scored 59 goals in 185 games for Chelsea.
But the arrival of Fernando Torres, the faith shown in Daniel Sturridge and Villas-Boas' determination to reduce the average age of his squad have meant opportunities have been limited.
Prior to Chelsea's confirmation, Shanghai Shenhua had at the weekend announced a contract was waiting to be signed by Anelka.
The former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City striker, along with Alex, who has also had a transfer request accepted, has been training separately from the rest of the Chelsea squad.
