
Tiemoue
Bakayoko has joined Chelsea from Monaco and become the club's second-most
expensive signing of all time.
Sky Sports News HQ understands the 22-year-old has cost the Blues £40m -
some £10m less than Fernando Torres in 2011.
Bakayoko, an athletic central midfielder, has signed a five-year contract at
Stamford Bridge and will join up with France international team-mate N'Golo
Kante.
Bakayoko said: "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 (Antonio
Conte) and alongside so many great team-mates."
Chelsea's 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."
Bakayoko becomes Chelsea's third signing of the summer after the arrivals of
back-up goalkeeper Willy Caballero and centre-back Antonio Rudiger from
Roma.
The Blues are also in the hunt for a new striker, having decided to listen
to offers for Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic, who were both left out of the
pre-season tour of the Far East.