Anelka joins Juventus

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Shanghai Shenhua striker Nicolas Anelka.

The former France international is reported to have signed on an initial six-month loan deal, for a fee of 600,000 euros, with the option of extending his stay at the club by a further year at the end of the season.

The Bianconeri have been linked with a whole host of frontmen since their failure to acquire a quality goalscorer in the summer transfer window.

Last week the club announced a deal for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, but with the 27-year-old set to join at the end of his contract in June, Antonio Conte continued his search for an immediate answer to his side’s goalscoring dearth.

Anelka only joined the Chinese Super League outfit in January of last year where he played alongside former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.

But since the move, rumours have been rife regarding the player’s alleged unhappiness in Asia and despite numerous denials, the 33-year-old has opted to make the move to Juventus Stadium.

Key to the deal was the player’s eligibility for the Champions League, with the Turin club set to face Celtic in the knockout stages, as well as juggling their Serie A and Coppa Italia challenges.