Chelsea confirm signing of N'Golo Kante from Leicester City

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of France international N'Golo Kante from Leicester City. The 25-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge club and becomes the second signing made by new manager Antonio Conte.

Kante moved to the Foxes last summer as the first addition made by Claudio Ranieri at the King Power Stadium, and was one of the stand-out players of the season as the club won the Premier League title. He was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award and included in the team of the year.

But despite Leicester being set to make their Champions League debut next season, Kante has opted to move to Chelsea who finished ninth last term following a woeful defence of their title. The European Championship star is thrilled to have completed his move to west London where he looks forward to working with "some of the best players in the world".

"I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe," he told the official Chelsea 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 teammates and helping the club achieve a lot of success."

Kante joins Michy Batshuayi in becoming the only two additions made by Conte since his arrival at Chelsea. The coach's role with the Italy national team at Euro 2016 means Michael Emenalo has led the club's transfer plans and the technical director says Kante fits Conte's philosophy.

"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 added. "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."