Remy set to complete move to Chelsea

Loic Remy is expected to complete a move from QPR to Chelsea despite Arsenal’s last-ditch attempt to sign him.

The France striker, 27, is heading to Stamford Bridge as a replacement for the AC Milan-bound Fernando Torres.

Arsenal indicated on Saturday evening that they were also willing to meet a release clause in Remy’s contract.

But by then he had agreed in principle to join the Blues and currently plans to go ahead with the transfer after completing a medical.

He joined QPR from Marseille in January last year on the understanding it could help him secure a move to a top-four club.

Remy has been keen to stay in London, but amid numerous reports of interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, they consistently declined to make a firm approach despite being aware of his potential availability.

A proposed transfer to Liverpool recently collapsed and on Friday morning he rejected a move to Newcastle, where he spent last season on loan, after the Magpies submitted an offer in a final attempt to sign him.

Rangers offered him a new contract and on Friday afternoon – prior to the Torres deal being announced – they were increasingly confident he would remain at Loftus Road and sign an improved deal early next week.

But Chelsea made an approach following talks with Remy’s representatives and QPR boss Harry Redknapp was informed at midday on Saturday that the player was set to move on.

Arsenal, who expect to be without injured forward Olivier Giroud for four months, then made their move, but it appears to have come too late to stop Remy joining Jose Mourinho’s side.

Remy’s departure shortly before the transfer window closes is an outcome Rangers hoped to avoid.

They initially expected to complete the £5m signing of long-time target Kolbeinn Sigthorsson before Monday’s deadline but now believe the Icelandic striker, 24, may stay at Ajax, where he has been offered a pay rise.

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