Chelsea sign midfielder Kante from Leicester

LONDON: Chelsea have signed France midfielder N’Golo Kante from Premier League champions Leicester City on a five-year contract, the Londoners said on Saturday.

Kante, 25, is new manager Antonio Conte’s second acquisition, following Olympique Marseille’s Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi, and arrives after playing at Euro 2016.

“I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me,” Kante told www.chelseafc.com.

“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.”

The clubs did not disclose financial details but British media put the fee at 32 million pounds ($42.20 million).

Kante was Claudio Ranieri’s first signing at Leicester, joining for six million pounds after two seasons at Caen. He had a successful season last term, helping the 5,000-1 outsiders win the title for the first time before joining up with France.

Kante played in the opening match but was banned for the quarter-final, came on in the semi and was an unused substitute in the final which the hosts lost 1-0 to Portugal after extra time.

Kante played in all but one of Leicester’s league games and made most overall tackles and interceptions in the competition. His efforts saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year.

“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,” said Kante.

His campaign contrasted with Chelsea’s dismal season as they finished a lowly 10th and failed to qualify for Europe.