English Premier League champions Chelsea FC have signed 22 year old midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from French Ligue 1 winners AS Monaco on a five year contract.
Tiemoue Bakayoko, who recently made his full France debut, is seen as one of the best young central midfielders in world football.
Bakayoko, who will wear the No.14 shirt, said, “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.”
“I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach and alongside so many great team-mates,” Bakayoko added.
Chelsea Technical director Michael Emenalo added, “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.”
Last season was the breakthrough year for Bakayoko like many of his AS Monaco team mates as they won the Ligue 1 title and reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Born in Paris, Bakayoko came through the Stade 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 AS Monaco the following summer and made almost 100 appearances for the principality side during his three seasons there, scoring five goals.