Chelsea winger Loic Remy. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent rumors are out that French striker Loic Remy is set to move out of the Stamford Bridge and into China as defending English Premier League champions Chelsea FC have reportedly agreed on a £15.4 million transfer deal with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC.
Metro indicated that the Blues "have agreed in principle to sell Loic Remy to China for £15.4 million" as the 29-year-old forward have only made nine appearances and have scored only once in the English domestic competitions this season.
Speculations abound that the Rillieux-la-Pape, France native had "grown frustrated" about his lack of playing time under Jose Mourinho and now interim head coach Guus Hiddink and so he wants to move out of the Fulham residents soonest.
Current Premier League leaders Leicester City were said to have almost pulled off a winter deadline day deal for Remy, but it fell through at the last minute.
With the arrival of Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato on loan from Brazilian Serie A champs Corinthians, the Blues' attacking options became a little crowded and so Remy was allowed to entertain offers from other clubs including those in China.
The report cited local media outlet Le 10 Sport as the source of the rumors, claiming that the Pensioners have already "agreed in principle" to the £15.4 million deal with Remy set to receive a £7 million annual salary.
Aside from Shanghai Shenhua, newly-promoted CSL squad Hebei China Fortune is said to be also interested in acquiring the 6-foot-1 striker.
The Mirror noted that the Blue Devils are not new with regards to luring big-name footballers as they have previously succeeded in signing "Chelsea legend Didier Drogba four years ago and signed former Millwall and Everton favorite Tim Cahill last year. The Chinese club is also rumored to have been targeting Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi this winter transfer window.
Remy joined Chelsea in September of 2014 for a reported transfer fee of £10.5 million. He signed a four-year contract with the club and have scored a goal in his debut game for the Blues, a 4-2 home win over Swansea City, coming in as a 72nd minute substitute to Diego Costa.
