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Nicolas Anelka became the first signing under Avram Grant's management when completed his transfer on Friday 11 January 2008.

He signed a three-and-a-half year deal and his reported fee means that more money has been spent on transferring Nicolas over the course of his career than on any other player in football history.

He was a transfer window move from Bolton where he had already scored 11 times in 22 appearances this season.

In total, the 28-year-old netted 23 times in his 60 games for the Lancashire side, since signing from Turkish club Fenerbahçe in August 2006.

Anelka began his career at Paris St-Germain, before making a move to Arsenal as a 17-year-old in early 1997.

At Highbury, the youngster demonstrated his explosive pace and finishing ability, helping the team to the Double in 1998, scoring in the FA Cup final victory over Newcastle.

A year later, Real Madrid offered £23 million for his services, enough to tempt both Arsenal and Anelka to accept the bid, and in his only season in Spain, he claimed the Champions League trophy, again scoring in the final as Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Valencia.

After just 12 months at the Bernabéu, Anelka returned to Paris with St-Germain, and in 18 months scored 18 goals before a loan spell at Liverpool under fellow Frenchman Gérard Houllier.

Although not an automatic choice at Anfield, Anelka impressed with his work rate and creativity, but eventually made a permanent move to Manchester City to play for Kevin Keegan.

At City, Anelka found the net regularly, notching up 46 goals during his two-and-a-half year stay. A penalty, both won and scored by him in October 2004 was responsible for Chelsea's only league defeat in our first championship-winning season under José Mourinho.

Anelka's time at Fenerbahçe was equally successful. He averaged a goal in just over every three games during his spell there, alerting Sam Allardyce to make a bid, and he subsequently signed for Bolton at the start of last season.

His form has remained consistent at the Reebok Stadium, and he has been a regular member of the French squad over the last decade, scoring 11 times in 43 appearances.

Anelka was a key member of the France side that lifted the 2000 European Championship and part of the squad that qualified for Euro 2008.

He is eligible to play for Chelsea in the Carling Cup and FA Cup having been involved in neither competition this season. On signing, he could also be registered for the Champions League.