Chelsea capture Leicester’s N’Golo Kante

Chelsea today confirmed the signing of highly rated Leicester city midfielder N’Golo Kante for a fee of €38m. The French international signed a 5 year contract with the London club and looks certain to be a key player for new manager Antonio Conte.

He rejected the offer of a new deal at Leicester  and instead becomes the second arrival of the Conte era at Stamford Bridge following the signing of Michy Batshuayi. The fee paid by Chelsea represents a near-500 per cent profit on the £5.6m the 25-year-old cost Leicester when he joined from Caen 12 months ago.

“I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me,” he told the club website. 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’s departure is a huge blow for Leicester as he was a key figure in last season’s title-winning heroics. Fans are growing increasingly worried winger Riyad Mahrez will follow Kante away from the King Power Stadium with a host of top clubs interested in the Algerian international.

Leicester have already bought a like-for-like replacement for Kante in midfielder Nampalys Mendy who cost £13m signing from French club Lens.