Local media have reported Frenchman Anelka's management is in talks with the Chinese Super League club to forgo the final year of his contract, while Ivory Coast striker Drogba has been linked with a move back to Europe.
Drogba signed a two-and-a-half year deal reportedly worth around $300,000 per week in June, but the Shanghai-based Oriental Sports Daily said last week the 34-year-old was owed wages in the wake of a long-running equity row at the club.
"They are still contracted players, and nothing has changed in that regard," he told Reuters by telephone on Tuesday.
Despite the fanfare, Shanghai's hopes of a run to the title on the back of their prized recruits crumbled during a wayward season blighted by in-fighting.
The online gaming tycoon secured former Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea striker Anelka's signature a year ago, and further raised expectations by appointing former Fulham manager Jean Tigana as head coach.
Shanghai's season started to unravel when Tigana was hit by a player revolt after just five games in charge.
After Tigana's entire backroom staff were fired, the Frenchman himself was sacked shortly after arriving at the stadium for Shanghai's match against Tianjin Teda.
Tigana's replacement raised further eyebrows, with Anelka, no stranger to clashes with authority, sensationally named player-coach.
The unorthodox appointment did little to improve Shenhua's fortunes, though Anelka threatened to quit when he learned of plans to replace him.
"If there is still no one to support me and [they] continue to play little tricks behind my back... then I will quickly decide whether or not to retire," he told Shanghai media.
However, Anelka was placated and former Argentina coach Sergio Batista arrived in May to become the team's third head coach in 2012.
Batista steadied the ship with some solid results, and Drogba's arrival
