LONDON, England (AP) — Chelsea strengthened their striking options by signing Loic Remy from Queens Park Rangers yesterday after offloading Fernando Torres to AC Milan.

The 27-year-old France international joined Chelsea on a four-year contract after the London club activated the player’s £10.5 million (US$17-million) release clause.

“When I heard Chelsea wanted to sign me I said, ‘Let’s go’ straight away because they are one of the best clubs in the world,” said Remy, who joined QPR from Marseille in January 2013. “I remember the amazing atmosphere at Stamford Bridge when I played there for Marseille and I can’t wait to play for the first time in front of my new fans.”

Remy, who spent last season on loan at Newcastle while QPR were in the second tier, will be behind Diego Costa in the pecking order up front at Chelsea, competing for a spot with Didier Drogba.

Torres on Friday joined Milan on a two-year loan that takes him to the end of his Chelsea contract.