Laura Klonowski
Chelsea FC have completed the signing of N’Golo Kante in a £32m move from Leicester City.
The central defensive midfielder becomes new boss Antonio Conte’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi.
Kante had been wanted by a number of European clubs after his stellar season with Leicester City where he helped the club win the Premier League in one of the biggest sporting shocks.
But it was Chelsea who got their man after paying more than £30m for the star midfielder.
The 25-year-old who was also one of the stars of Euro 2016 with France has spoken to the official Chelsea website about his summer transfer; “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.”
Kante who completed his switch from the Premier League champions to the London club today has signed a 5-year-deal and is expected to join up with the Chelsea squad later this month in the USA for the Blues’ pre-season tour.
Speaking about N’Golo’s arrival Chelsea Football Club technical director Michael Emenalo said:
“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.”
Chelsea is the fourth professional club of N’Golo Kante’s career. A Parisian by birth, he started his playing career at local amateur side Suresnes until the age of 19 when he moved north and joined Boulogne.
Kante’s performances for Boulogne in the 2012/13 season, when they were in the French third tier, caught the eye of Caen in the division above, and he helped power the Normandy club to promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season there.
Following a second season with Caen he become Claudio Ranieri’s first signing when he joined Leicester City last year.
Kante arrives at Stamford Bridge with a Premier League winners’ medal and eight international caps to his name.
Are you excited about N’Golo Kante’s arrival at Chelsea? How do you think his departure will affect Leicester City? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @CelebMix.
