Chelsea move ‘too good to turn down,’ says Kante

Antonio Conte’s revolution is gathering pace after Chelsea paid £32million for Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante.

The Italian, who made his managerial bow in a 2-0 defeat at Rapid Vienna on Saturday, has already spent £33m on Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi. He wants to bring two more new faces to Stamford Bridge with the club desperate to improve on last season’s miserable 10th-placed Premier League finish.

Midfield wrecking-ball Kante, key to Leicester’s title triumph last season, believes he has signed for one of football’s elite, penning a five-year deal.

‘I have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe,’ the France international said.

‘It’s a dream come true for me. The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was too good to turn down.’

After giving up Champions League football to make the switch, Kante, 25, believes he can be part of a glittering new era.

‘My first season in English football was very special. I hope to go on to achieve even more as a Chelsea player.’
It represents a rapid profit of more than £24m for Leicester, who bought him from Caen last year for£5.6million.

‘We know this club, the team, needs to reinforce,’ said Conte at a press conference.

‘I am sure that in the coming days we can reach our target and we can buy one, two, three…

I don’t know how many players but players that can reinforce us for the season.’

Chelsea Football Club technical director Michael Emenalo added: ‘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.’

Conte put out a strong XI against Vienna, led by John Terry, but was without his Euro 2016 men. Diego Costa, Willian and Branislav Ivanovic all started in front of a watching Roman Abramovic.

Brazilian Joelinton scored for the hosts after eight minutes. Substitute Tomi added the second near the end.