It’s now officially official. N’Golo Kante has completed a move to Chelsea as he leaves defending Premier League champions Leicester City. Here is how Twitter reacted.
Chelsea confirmed on Saturday that they had made their second first-team signing of the summer as they purchased N’Golo Kante. The midfielder leaves 2015/16 Premier League winners Leicester City for Stamford Bridge and Blues fans are understandably excited.
Speaking to the official club website at the announcement, Kante expressed his delight at the West London switch.
"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."
Chelsea fans took to Twitter to share their elation with the transfer, as Antonio Conte’s squad gets stronger by the day.
Kante rejected RM, Arsenal, Man Utd a new Leicester contract to join a club without European football, Just shows what Conte has planned.
— Yusuf El-Nabi (@Havertzesque) July 16, 2016
Well-known journalist and Blue Dan Levene wondered whether Kante could fill that gaping hole that has yet to be plugged since Claude Makelele’s departure.
Welcome to Chelsea, N'Golo Kante. Massive signing. A jigsaw piece missing since Claude Makelele?
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) July 16, 2016
A couple of observers focused on the finances of the deal. Kante certainly seems worth it.
When you realise Sterling cost £50 Million and we got #Kante for £18 Mill cheaper! #WelcomeKante pic.twitter.com/qQRkPhQrYg
— Daniel Childs ☕️ (@SonOfChelsea) July 16, 2016
Based on a £30m transfer fee and a five-year deal at £150,000 per week, N'Golo Kante will cost Chelsea £13.8m per year. Well worth it. #cfc
— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) July 16, 2016
It’s safe to say that N’Golo Kante’s style of play will fit in with the high-energy and pressing tactics that Antonio Conte employs.
Kante is younger, arguably better and should adapt more quickly. And he plays like he's got six lungs. Perfect for Conte's style #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) July 16, 2016
Gary Lineker, meanwhile, weighed in with his thoughts. As a Leicester City man born and bred, he must have been extremely disappointed with the news. He wasn’t surprised, though.
Inevitably Kanté has gone. Fancy Chelsea will now win the title. He's that good!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 16, 2016
With the euphoria of the news coming just ahead of Chelsea’s first pre-season game against Rapid Vienna, the Blues went on to dampen the mood. A listless display (worryingly reminiscent of last season) saw Chelsea fall 2-0 to the hosts. One person preferred to focus on the positives.
Anyway, can we go back to being happy about N'Golo Kante? Doesn't seem real.
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) July 16, 2016
What do you think of the news? How excited are you about the N’Golo Kante signing? Let us know in the comments below!