Chelsea have announced the signing of influential midfielder N’Golo Kante from Premier League rivals Leicester City on a five-year deal.
The reigning champions of England had announced that the French international was set to depart the King Power Stadium earlier in the day after accepting a club record fee from the Blues for the 25-year-old.
Shortly afterwards, Chelsea confirmed they have completed the signing of Kante with an official message on their Twitter account.
It's official! Welcome to Chelsea, N'Golo Kante! https://t.co/BRg1Njs5PB #WelcomeKante pic.twitter.com/1gqqQvFPiK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 16, 2016
The Foxes had offered Kante a new deal before he flew out with the Les Bleus squad for the Euros, but it has been revealed on the club’s website that he rejected the offer an improved contract because of his desire to join the 2014/15 Premier League champions.
Kante spoke to Chelsea’s website soon after his move was made official and 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.”
He becomes new manager Antonio Conte’s second signing of the summer – after Michy Batshuayi arrived from Marseille – and is set to challenge the likes of Cesc Fabregas, John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic for a place in central midfield next season.
Kante played a key role in Leicester surprise title-winning campaign last year and was one of the most consistent performers throughout the division, more than repaying the £7.65million transfer fee paid to French club Caen last summer.
No other player in the Premier League made more interceptions than Kante (156) last season and his form at club level was rewarded with a call up to the France squad for the Euros, where he made a total of four appearances.
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