Anelka signs for Chelsea
11th January, 2008
Nicolas Anelka has today signed for Chelsea for a fee of £15million. The Frenchman becomes Avram Grant’s first signing since taking the reins at Chelsea, and it is reported he has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the West Londoners. Bolton had initially rejected a £12million bid.
Grant had made it clear that he wanted to bring the striker in before Saturday’s game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, as he will be without Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou who are on duty playing at the African Nations Cup. Shevchenko still has an ankle injury, whilst the other senior striker Pizzaro has failed to impress recently.
"It's not a secret that I was looking for one more striker, and Anelka has pace, is a good finisher and is scoring a lot of goals," said boss Avram Grant. "But he also provides assists and can play in any system and with any other good players beside him him."
The 28-year-old forward has found the net on 11 occasions this season in 22 appearances, having joined Bolton from Fenerbache in 2006 for £7million. He has also played for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid in his career, having won the Champions League with the Spanish outfit.
A statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club and Bolton Wanderers can confirm that terms have been agreed between the clubs for the transfer of Nicolas Anelka."
Chelsea are 4/6 favourites to win all three points against Tottenham, who are as high as 9/2 with Totesport.
