Transfer news: Shanghai Shenhua eyes Chelsea striker Loic Remy as latest target to play in China

The Chinese Super League is ready to bring another international soccer talent to China, with reports saying Shanghai Shenhua has offered Chelsea striker Loic Remy a big money-deal to play with the club.

The French striker was reportedly offered £5.5 million a season (AU$11.2 million) to play for Shanghai Shenhua, according to the Mirror. The Chinese club had signed Blues legend Didier Drogba four years ago, and currently has former Chelsea footballer Demba Ba on its squad.

It has been reported that Remy was looking to move on from his backup role at Stamford Bridge, after moving down the pecking order with Diego Costa and Alexandre Pato getting more opportunities under interim boss Guus Hiddink. If the 29-year-old midfielder accepts China’s offer, he could be the second Chelsea player to move to China in the current transfer window after Jiangsu Suning bagged Ramires last month for a staggering transfer fee of £25 million (AU$51.3 million).

However, according to French media outlet Le10 Sport, Remy is holding firm on his salary demands with Shanghai Shenhua. The report claimed that the French international wants £7 million (AU$14.3 million) per season, which is the same offer the Chinese club shelled out when they signed Drogba. Remy’s wage suggestion will be on top of the £11.7 million (AU$24 million) Shanghai would pay Chelsea for the Frenchman.

Remy’s link to the Chinese club came after Shanghai offered Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi £7.5 million (AU$15.4 million) to join them. Lavezzi, also known as Pocho, was supposed to see out his contract with the French giants before joining either Chelsea or Inter Milan. However, Shanghai’s offer appears too good to turn down for the former Napoli.

According to PSG manager Laurent Blanc, they may be forced to keep hold of Lavezzi until after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie with Chelsea on Feb. 16, as first options Blaise Matuidi and Javier Pastore struggle with their fitness.

"The club is discussing it with Pocho's people," PSG manager Laurent Blanc said, reports ESPN FC. "We'll have to think about it, given that if we lose one player we won't be able to replace him. So if tomorrow I find we have some attackers with muscle problems... in that case definitely, we'll have to reflect on it."