Transfers: Chelsea sign £32m N'Golo Kante from Leicester City

The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract and becomes Antonio Conte's second signing following the £33m arrival of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille.

"I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me," said Kante on Chelsea's official website.

"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 team-mates and helping the club achieve a lot of success."

Leicester signed Kante for just £5.6m from Caen last summer, a bargain deal for a key player in the club's remarkable Premier League success. Though Leicester have made a huge profit they will be concerned about the possible break-up of their title-winning side amid reports that Riyad Mahrez has rejected a new contract.

In what appeared to be a dig at Chelsea's lack of European football, the official Champions League account pointed out that Kante had turned his back on Europe's top club competition.

Kante was part of France's Euro 2016 squad, but did not play in the final which they lost 1-0 to Portugal.

"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," said Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo.

"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."