The Blues have confirmed a bid for the 28-year-old hitman - something we all ready knew and Bolton Wanderers are considering Chelsea's offer.
The first offer of £11m has been rejected. Chelsea will up their offer by £2m increments until Bolton's valuation of £18m is met.
The current offer is £13m .
Anelka will be offered a four-year, £100k a week deal once the dust has been settled on the fee.
Chelsea are desperate to sign a striker as number one choice Didier Drogba will be away for up to three weeks for the African Cup of Nations, and will leave the club in the summer.
Anelka's signing is a direct result of Drogba;s desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
In the wake of Jose Mourinho's senational sacking earlier this season, Drogba was vocal in his anger at the decision. He has twice said that he will leave SW6 in the summer.
With AC Milan the likely destination for Mourinho next season, Drogba will be his first major signing.
The Ivorian striker will cost in the region of £20m and the purchase of Anelka now will be seen in some quarters as an asute bit of business by chief executive Peter Kenyon.