Arsenal bid to hijack Chelsea's Remy move

goal.com

The Blues looked set to complete the signing of the QPR striker but Arsene Wenger's Gunners have matched his release clause ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline

Arsenal have moved to hijack Chelsea’s move for QPR striker Loic Remy, Goal can confirm.

Chelsea reignited their interest in the France international earlier this week after allowing Fernando Torres to join AC Milan on a two-year loan, matching his release clause of €10.7 million and opening talks with the player's camp on Friday.

However, Arsenal - who have been monitoring Remy's situation themselves all summer - have now also told QPR they will match his release clause as they look to bolster their squad following Olivier Giroud’s latest injury setback, which has ruled him out until the turn of the year.

Remy now faces a straight choice between the two London rivals ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

Goal understands the France international has been keen to move to Arsenal all summer – a stance which led Tottenham to end their interest – but the Blues' talks with the player’s camp this weekend have already proven productive.

Mourinho confirmed his interest in Remy following the club’s 6-3 win over Everton on Saturday.

"Obviously I know that we are trying since yesterday - since we knew that Nando [Torres] was leaving - that we were trying to get Remy," he said.

Remy almost joined Liverpool earlier this summer, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute after the striker reportedly failed a medical.