Soccer

Chelsea sign midfielder N'Golo Kante from Leicester

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

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.

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."