Loic Remy has completed his transfer to Chelsea, who have agreed to let Fernando Torres move to AC Milan on a two-year loan deal.
Jose Mourinho spent £32million of his budget on Atletico Madrid ace Diego Costa during the summer, and the Spanish international has wasted little time in settling into life in England with four goals in three appearances. Didier Drogba has also returned to Stamford Bridge, but the Portuguese coach was keen to bolster his attacking options.
This was especially so after former Liverpool star Torres, who cost a then-British record £50million when the Blues took him from Merseyside in January 2011, secured a loan move to Milan. The Italian giants have taken the 30-year-old until the summer of 2016, bringing an end to a miserable three-and-a-half years in the capital for the player.
Mourinho has wasted no time in replenishing his squad, with a £10.5million deal for Remy wrapped up on Sunday afternoon. The France international spent last season on loan at Newcastle United, scoring 14 goals in 26 outings, and it was always likely he would leave Queens Park Rangers on a permanent deal during the summer window.
The former Marseille star almost sealed a switch to Liverpool last month, but Brendan Rodgers pulled the plug on medical reasons. Arsenal have also been heavily linked with his signature, but it is Chelsea who have won the race for the player who has signed a four-year contract and insisted that joining Mourinho’s side was always his preferred option.
“I feel very happy and very proud,” Remy said on Sunday. “When I heard Chelsea wanted to sign me I said ‘let’s go’ straight away because they are one of the best clubs in the world. I remember the amazing atmosphere at Stamford Bridge when I played there for Marseille and I can’t wait to play for the first time in front of my new fans.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, continued their fine start to the season with a remarkable 6-3 win at Everton on Saturday evening. This means they head into the international break on top of the Premier League table, having won their three opening fixtures just as Swansea City, their next opponents on 13 September at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans, do you think Remy is a good signing? And just how good has your start to the season been? Have your say by joining in the discussion below!
