Anelka signs for Chelsea

Frenchman leaves Bolton in £15million deal

By James Dall   Last updated: 11th January 2008

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Anelka: Chelsea move

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Nicolas Anelka has completed his move from Bolton Wanderers to Chelsea for a fee of £15million.

Reports suggest that the France international, who becomes Avram Grant's first signing as Chelsea manager, has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with The Blues.

Grant had been keen to seal Anelka's switch to Stamford Bridge before Saturday's clash with Tottenham as the Israeli is without Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who are away at the African Nations Cup, and Andrei Shevchenko (ankle).

The 28-year-old forward has netted 11 goals in 22 appearances so far this season and joined Bolton from Fenerbahce in 2006 for £7million.

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."

Temperament

And Blues boss Grant said: "First of all he is a good finisher.

"He scores a lot of goals but not only that he can provide assists. He is a good footballer and has good pace.

"If I was not convinced about his temperament, he would not be here. He is a player who can play in any system and with any good players beside him.

"Even though we miss so many players, we didn't make rush decisions, even though everyone expected us to.

"We decided to take players not only for six weeks but to think about Chelsea longer term but no more signings planned at the moment."