Chelsea have announced the signing of N'Golo Kante from Leicester City on a five-year deal.
The France international has passed a medical and signed a five-year-contract, the Stamford Bridge club have confirmed.
The fee is reported to be around £32 million (Dh155m) for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Kante, signed for Leicester last summer from Caen for £5.6m, was a revelation during his debut 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 Leicester teammate 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 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte after Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi.
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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 teammates 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.”
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