LONDON — France striker Nicolas Anelka will join Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua in January on a transfer from Chelsea.

Chelsea said Monday that the 32-year-old Anelka, who is in the final season of his contract with the English Premier League club, will move to China on a permanent transfer.

Shanghai Shenhua also confirmed the long-rumored transfer without giving details of the players' length of contract or transfer fee.

The much-traveled Anelka joined Chelsea from Bolton in January 2008. His previous clubs included Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Fenerbahce, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.