Real Madrid have missed out N’Golo Kante after the midfielder left Leicester City for Chelsea in a reported £30m switch on Saturday.
Madrid were thought to have been in the running for Kante, who lifted the Premier League title in his sole season at Leicester and went on to reach the Euro 2016 final with France, but it is Chelsea who have secured the 25-year-old.
“I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a dream come true for me,” he told the Blues’ official website.
“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 teammates and helping the club achieve a lot of success.”
The development has led AS to report that Madrid have entered a tug-of-war with Barcelona for Andre Gomes, a player they have been linked with all summer.
However, Valencia are said to have welcomed the interest in their Portuguese Euro 2016 winner by standing firm on their €65m valuation.
