Chelsea confirm Papy Djilobodji transfer to Sunderland

Chelsea along with Sunderland have confirmed the permanent transfer of Papy Djilobodji to the Stadium of Light after spending just one season at Stamford Bridge — of this he had spent the second half of last season on loan at Werder Bremen. The Senegalese defender becomes David Moyes' first summer signing after he took over the reins from Sam Allardyce.

"Sunderland AFC have completed the signing of Senegalese international centre-back Papy Djilobodji from Chelsea FC for £8million," a statement on the Black Cats' official site read.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who played two games for Chelsea during their pre-season, is said to have agreed a four-year deal with the Premier League outfit. The Senegal international struggled to break into the first-team at Stamford Bridge, making just one appearance for the Blues in the League Cup.

The lack of first-team action saw him loaned out to the Bundesliga club, where he made 14 appearances and helped the team secure safety with a late goal in the final game of the season. Djilobodji is now delighted to have signed for the Stadium of Light outfit and admitted that he is glad to remain in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea defender also revealed his conversation with Moyes ahead of his transfer and has called on the fans to help achieve a good season, after most of last campaign saw them fighting in the relegation battle.

"I am so happy to join Sunderland, and I believe we will do something good this season. Sunderland is a big club, and we will do our best to give fans what they deserve," the Senegalese defender told Sunderland's official site.

"The coach called me and I was happy. I was delighted when the manager told me that he wants to work with me."

"I like the Premier League and I am looking forward to work with my new teammates. We also need the support from the fans to help us fight and have a good season," Djilobodji added.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte is seeking to bring in defensive reinforcements and has been linked to a number of defenders during the ongoing summer transfer window. John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma are the only three centre-backs in the squad at the moment and the latter is just coming back from a long-term injury.

Chelsea are said to have made a £38m ($49.7m) bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, according to Sky Italia, while they have also been linked with a move for Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci. The Blues boss has confirmed that there will more arrivals to add to the signings of N'Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi thus far this summer.