French midfielder N’Golo Kante has signed a five-year contract with Chelsea after completing a £32-million transfer from Leicester City.

The 25-year-old became Antonio Conte’s second summer signing following the capture of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille.

Kante came close to adding to that success on the international stage earlier this month. He was part of the France squad that was denied a host-team triumph at Euro 2016 by an extra-time Portugal goal in the final, reports the Chelsea website.

After signing a long-term deal with the Blues Kante expressed his delight at signing for one of the biggest clubs in European football.

‘I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me,’ Kante said.

‘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.’

Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo insists that the club is honoured to have signed such an exciting talent.

‘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.

‘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.’

The midfielder was the first signing made after Claudio Ranieri became manager of the Foxes last season.

He played in all but one of the league games in Leicester’s title win and made the Premier League’s most number of tackles and interceptions. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year.