Chelsea signs Leicester star Kante
France international N'Golo Kante has completed his move from Leicester City to Chelsea.
Chelsea has completed the signing of N'Golo Kante from Premier League champion Leicester City on a five-year contract.
Leicester offered Kante a "substantially improved, long-term contract" earlier in the off-season but, having accepted the player's desire to leave, the Foxes have agreed to a club-record sale — reported to be in the region of £32 million ($55.6 million).
Kante was a largely unheralded signing from Caen last season but proved to be a star performer as Claudio Ranieri's men completed a remarkable run to the title. He also won a place in the Professional Footballers Association Team of the Year.
The 25-year-old secured his international breakthrough with France and made four appearances at UEFA Euro 2016 for the host nation, which was beaten 1-0 by Portugal in the final.
Kante becomes Chelsea's second major off-season signing after Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi's arrival from Marseille, and the Frenchman is set to be a key pillar of new boss Antonio Conte's rebuilding job at Chelsea.
"I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe," Kante told Chelsea's official website. "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 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 Stamford Bridge outfit endured a torrid Premier League title defence last season, with defeat to Leicester in December costing Jose Mourinho his job before interim manager Guus Hiddink oversaw a recovery of sorts to finish 10th.
