Chelsea buy Monaco midfielder Bakayoko

English football champions Chelsea have boosted their midfield as they signed young France midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco on Saturday in a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old was instrumental in Monaco's Ligue 1 triumph last season, as well as their impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals.

According to English media reports, Chelsea will pay Monaco around $50 million for the player.

"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," Bakayoko said in a statement released by the London club.

"I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach (Antonio Conte) and alongside so many great team-mates."

Technical director Michael Emenalo said: "Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe's best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea.

"Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League, we believe he will add considerable quality to our squad."

Born in Paris, Bakayoko came through the Rennes academy in the north-west of France and made his senior debut in August 2013, a week after his 19th birthday.

He signed for Monaco the following summer and made almost 100 appearances for the principality side during his three seasons there, scoring five goals.

--IANS

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