Chelsea have confirmed the signing of N’Golo Kante from Premier League champions Leicester City.
The Frenchman had been strongly linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer, with PSG, Real Madrid and Shanghai SIPG all interested.
However, Chelsea have won the race to secure the services of the France international, who cost the Blues £32m to sign.
“The second addition to Antonio Conte’s squad for the coming season has been completed. N’Golo Kante is a Chelsea player,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“Following on from the signing of Michy Batshuayi from the French League, Kante joins from Premier League Leicester City, where he so memorably played a major part in the Foxes’ championship triumph last season.
“The 25-year-old came close to adding to that success on the international stage earlier this month. He was part of the France squad that was denied a host-team triumph at Euro 2016 by an extra-time Portugal goal in the final.
“After signing a five-year contract, Kante said: I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me.
“The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was simply too good to turn down.
“My first season in English football was very special and now I hope to go on to achieve even more during my time as a Chelsea player. I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and helping the club achieve a lot of success.
“Chelsea Football Club technical director Michael Emenalo added: N’Golo is a fantastic signing ahead of the new season and we are delighted to have been able to bring such a talented player to the club.
“He is a perfect fit in terms of Antonio Conte’s philosophies and the style of football he wants to play.
“For a player of his age he has already built up a wealth of experience and his exceptional quality will without doubt be a great addition to the team.
“The midfielder was the first signing made after Claudio Ranieri became Leicester manager last summer.
“What followed is well-known throughout the world of football as Kante’s ability to win possession of the ball and retain it, and to power his team forward marked him out as the best transfer of the year in many people’s eyes.”
Kante made more tackles and interceptions combined (331) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues last season, with his good form return a WhoScored rating of 7.61.
For more stats on N'Golo Kante, click here to view his WhoScored player page
