Anelka - club-record buy for TrottersBolton boss Sam Allardyce believes the signing of Nicolas Anelka for £8million shows how ambitious the club are.
Anelka, 27, has arrived from Fenerbahce and will travel to London with Allardyce to meet his new team-mates ahead of the weekend clash with Charlton.
After their run in the UEFA Cup last season, Allardyce wants his side back in Europe and has invested in the controversial French striker to provide the goals.
"It's an unprecedented amount of money for Bolton Wanderers to spend and fully underlines the club's ambition," said Allardyce.
Anelka's career has been littered with trophies - he was part of the squad for France's Euro 2000 triumph - but the striker has never strayed far from controversy.
As a teenager he was one of Arsene Wenger's first signings at Arsenal but by 1999, after helping win the double, it became clear he wanted a move and was transferred to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He won the Champions League but failed to settle at the Bernabeu and moved back to Paris St Germain before spells at Liverpool, Manchester City and then Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Allardyce has forged a reputation for rescuing careers of players on the wane, and it appears he will need those powers to get the best out of a striker who has struggled to settle at a club since moving from Arsenal.
Allardyce added on official website bwfc.co.uk: "Patience is a virtue, and I am pleased to say that all the waiting and hard-work we've done behind the scenes has paid off.
"Nicolas is a player with an amazing track record in the Premiership; he was born to score goals. His talent and experience will be a valuable asset for us."
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside believes Allardyce is the manager to get the best out of Anelka.
Gartside told Sky Sports News: "He'll have the ability to handle this guy. I met him (Anelka) and was impressed with him as a person, I don't think Sam will have a problem.
"I hope it demonstrates the club's commitment to the success. Sam's not made any secret of his ambitions and he wants to satisfy them here, not anywhere else."
Gartside rejected suggestions Allardyce's passion for the game has dipped since losing out on the England job, and the Trotters chief also revealed the club have been in contact with Fulham over Steed Malbranque.
"We've made no secret that we'll spend some money this year," he added. "We've been careful how we've spent money but it doesn't mean we'll not spend more.
"Sam was disappointed not getting the biggest job in football but there is no talk of him leaving."
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