ANELKA: In demand ANELKA: PAY UP ROMAN AND IÂ’M YOURS
NICOLAS ANELKA is demanding an £8.5million contract over two and a half years from Chelsea. Roman Abramovich’s club last night had a £12m bid for the striker rejected by Bolton, who have told Chelsea they want nearer £15m.Chelsea are expected to come back with an improved offer in the next 48 hours after making their interest official yesterday, as strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou departed for the African Nations Cup.
French forward Anelka, 28, wants a two-and-a-half year deal worth £80,000 per week and while the salary is not an issue for Chelsea, the length of the deal may be a minor stumbling block. His demands do not put him at the top of the Chelsea wages ratings. That rests with German Michael Ballack, who is on around £130,000 per week, but they put him comfortably in the second tier of earners at the club.