Chelsea completed the signing of French international midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, the Premier League champions announced on Saturday.
The 22-year-old helped the principality side claim the Ligue 1 title last season, and he joined Antonio Conte’s Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported fee of up to £39.7 million ($51.98m, 45.3m euros).
“I am very happy to be here and to join this great team,” Bakayoko said in a statement on the Chelsea website.
Tiemoue Bakayoko has completed his £40 million move to Chelsea from Monaco, signing a five-year deal with the Blues.
Bakayoko can be Chelsea's Vieira
Antonio Conte targeted Bakayoko as their first choice option to strengthen their midfield and they are now expected to allow Nemanja Matic to leave to make room for the France international.
Talks between Chelsea, Monaco and Bakayoko's representatives have moved slowly since they first started but all parties ultimatley came to an agreement for the 22-year-old.
Bakayoko returned from his holiday in New York to complete the final arrangements of the transfer, though a knee injury could rule him out of the Blues's pre-season friendlies.
The Frenchman, who will wear the No.14 shirt, told Chelsea's official website: "I am very happy to be here and to join this great team. I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood.
"I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach and alongside so many great team-mates."
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