Arsenal make their move for QPR’s Remy

Arsenal have made an offer for Loic Remy, joining Chelsea in activating a release clause in his QPR contract.

The Gunners have until now declined to make a firm approach for Remy, 27, despite numerous reports they have done so and them being aware that he has long been keen to sign for them.

But with the France striker seemingly about to join Chelsea as a replacement for the AC Milan-bound Fernando Torres, Arsenal have finally made their move.

Remy joined QPR from Marseille for around £8m in January last year on the understanding he would be able to join a top-four club for the same fee.

On Friday morning he rejected a move to Newcastle, where he spent last season on loan, after the Magpies submitted an offer in a final attempt to sign him.

Rangers have offered him a new contract and on Friday afternoon – prior to the Torres deal being announced – they were increasingly confident he would remain at Loftus Road and sign an improved deal early next week.

But Chelsea made an approach following talks with Remy’s representatives and QPR boss Harry Redknapp was informed at midday on Saturday that the player was set to move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Arsenal, who expect to be without injured forward Olivier Giroud for four months, are now looking to take him to north London.

Remy’s departure shortly before the transfer window closes is an outcome Rangers hoped to avoid, but they expect to complete the signing of long-time target Kolbeinn Sigthorsson before Monday’s deadline.

A £5m fee was agreed with Ajax some time ago and after several weeks of posturing over personal terms, progress has been made and Rangers are looking to tie up a deal for the 24-year-old Iceland forward.

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