Soccer

Chelsea complete signing of N’Golo Kante for £32 million

French midfielder swaps Leicester City for Stamford Bridge in a five-year deal

Chelsea have completed the signing of France and Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante. Photograph: Getty
Chelsea have completed the signing of France and Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante. Photograph: Getty
Sat Jul 16 2016 - 15:37

Chelsea have completed the signing of midfielder N'Golo Kante from Leicester.

The France international has passed a medical and put pen to paper on a five-year-contract, the Stamford Bridge club have confirmed.

The fee is reported to be around £32million for the 25-year-old.

Kante, signed for Leicester last summer from Caen for £5.6million, was a revelation during his maiden season in England as Claudio Ranieri’s side became shock Premier League champions.

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He was named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award — won by Foxes team-mate Riyad Mahrez — but his displays also brought him to the attention of Europe's biggest clubs.

Kante, who was part of the France squad which finished runners-up to Portugal at Euro 2016, becomes the second summer signing for new Blues boss Antonio Conte after Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi.

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.”

Leicester recently secured top scorer Jamie Vardy on a new contract amid interest from Arsenal.

But the loss of Kante will be a major blow to their plans for next season, while Mahrez is also reportedly eyeing a move away as the team which stunned English football last season threatens to break up.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are delighted with their purchase, with technical director Michael Emenalo adding: “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.”