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Chelsea confirm Anelka's Shanghai transfer

Nicolas Anelka had a transfer request accepted by Chelsea © PA Photos

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Chelsea have confirmed that Nicolas Anelka will join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January after the two clubs agreed terms.

Anelka, who recently handed in a transfer request at Stamford Bridge, will move to Shenhua when the transfer window opens after agreeing a two-year deal worth a reported £175,000 a week.

Shenhua announced on their official website on Monday that Anelka had signed and posted a picture of the player in his new club's shirt.

Former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City and France star Anelka has already been welcomed by his prospective new team-mates, with Shenhua captain Yu Tao writing on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter: "It's impossible not to be excited by this - a warm welcome to our new team-mate!''

Goalkeeper Wang Dalei added: "Tell Anelka he made his new team-mates really proud!''

A host of clubs were linked with Anelka, including West Ham and Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact.

Anelka, 32, is in the final year of his Stamford Bridge contract and it became clear earlier this season that his three-year stay with the Blues would not be extended. He could link up at Shenhua with fellow Frenchman Jean Tigana, who is being earmarked to take charge of the club.

Meanwhile, Shenhua's Super League rivals Dalian Aerbin are lining up a bid for Anelka's Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba. The Ivory Coast international, who has yet to agree a new deal with the Blues to replace the one that expires at the end of the season, has been offered a three-year contract worth more than £200,000 a week by Aerbin.

General manager Li Ming told Chinese media last week: "Money is not the problem. Drogba is still one of the most popular soccer stars in the world, though he will be 34 years old. We have talked a lot with Drogba's agent and promised to provide him with a three-year contract.''

Aerbin were only formed in 2009 and have just been promoted to China's top division.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.