Chelsea flop Loic Remy to leave Blues with Southampton and Everton interested in striker
Reports claim forward being chased by Premier League duo with French pair also keen on star
SOUTHAMPTON are reportedly leading the chase for Chelsea striker Loic Remy.
The French hitman is set to leave the Blues this summer with the Saints in the driving seat for his signature.
Remy, 30, has failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge since his arrival in 2014 from Queens Park Rangers.
Injuries have not helped his cause, but his lack of opportunity has led to him playing just 32 top-flight matches in his three years at the club.
He joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan during the last campaign in a bid to rejuvenate his career.
That failed to happen as he was struck down by a knee injury just a fortnight after joining to bring a premature end to the move.
Now back fit, the forward is pushing for a move from Antonio Conte’s outfit once again in order to find regular game time.
The Italian boss is happy for Remy to depart the club, but he will only allow him to do so once he brings in a new No9 himself.
He has already missed out on prime target Romelu Lukaku after Manchester United gazumped him to the Belgian’s £75million signing.
They have now turned their attentions to Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Remy, who Chelsea forked out £10.5million on three years ago, has just one year remaining on his contract.
French side Rennes are also keen on giving him a chance to reignite his career.
He is likely to be available for around half that figure with the club not wanting to send him out on loan ago.
Remy showed he still possesses the finishing touch that made him feared amongst defenders on Saturday.
He scored twice as the Blues thrashed Fulham 8-2 in their opening game on pre-season.
Loic Remy factfile
- The striker was born in Rillieux-la-Pape in France on January 2, 1987
- He joined Lyon’s academy in 1999 aged 12 and eventually made his debut in October 2006
- Following a loan spell at Lens in 2008, Nice splashed out a record fee to sign him 2008
- After 26 goals in two seasons he was signed by Marseille
- In January 2013 QPR forked out £8million for the hitman
- Despite his impressive form, he was unable to keep the Rangers in the Premier League and joined Newcastle on loan the next season
- His exploits on Tyneside led to him moving to Chelsea in August 2014
- After failing to establish himself in the starting XI he signed for Crystal Palace on loan last season – but played just five times in an injury hit campaign
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