Manchester City sign £52m left-back Benjamin Mendy from Monaco

The left-back excelled during Monaco’s title-winning campaign in Ligue 1 and was instrumental in the club’s Champions League run.

He is thought to be the most expensive defender of all time.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City,” Mendy said. “They are one of Europe’s leading clubs and in Pep Guardiola they have a manager committed to playing attacking football.

“I am sure that over the next few years we will be successful.”

City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, added: “Benjamin has all the qualities we are looking for in a full-back. For such a young player, he has a wealth of top-level experience.

“He is undoubtedly one of the world’s best full-backs, our number one target in this position. We are all delighted to have him here at Manchester City.

“I’m sure he will prove a fantastic addition to the squad.”

Mendy is the third full-back City have purchased this summer, following the additions of Kyle Walker and Danilo, with the trio believed to have collectively cost over £130m.