Chelsea confirm Tiemoue Bakayoko signing from Monaco for £40million on lucrative five-year deal
French midfielder was one of Antonio Conte's top targets this summer and has finally completed Stamford Bride switch
CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco.
The midfielder costs a whopping £40million and has been handed the No.14 shirt after penning a five-year deal with the Premier League champs.
Bakayoko was one of Antonio Conte’s top transfer targets this summer and the Italian will be delighted to have finally landed his man.
The France international becomes Chelsea's third signing of the window after centre-back Antonio Rudiger joined from Roma in a £35m switch and Willy Caballero arrived from Manchester City on a free transfer.
It did look touch-and-go for the Blues at one stage when Manchester United reportedly joined the race for Bakayoko's signature.
The Red Devils were apparently prepared to hijack the move after pinching Everton striker Romelu Lukaku from under Chelsea's noses.
And Bakayoko himself did no favours by mischievously trolling supports on his official Twitter account.
However, the 22-year-old is now officially a Blues star and all parties are delighted with the deal.
Bakayoko beamed: “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.”
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.”