Tiemoue Bakayoko says Chelsea move was 'natural' choice amid Manchester United interest

Done deal: Bakayoko has joined Chelsea on a five-year deal
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Tom Dutton15 July 2017

Tiemoue Bakayoko said joining Chelsea was "the natural thing" after completing his £40million move to Stamford Bridge.

Bakayoko travelled to London this week after the Blues agreed a fee with Monaco and the midfielder underwent his medical at the club's Cobham training facility on Friday.

Manchester United were also interested in signing Bakayoko but were beaten to his signature after failing with a late play for the star.

Bakayoko, who has signed a five-year deal with the Blues, made 25 starts for Monaco last term as the Ligue 1 club beat PSG to the title, and Chelsea described the midfielder as an "instrumental" part of the side.

Speaking after sealing his move, Chelsea's latest signing said: "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."

Bakayoko has been earmarked to play alongside N'Golo Kante in midfielder next term and becomes Chelsea's second major signing of the transfer window following Antonio Rudiger's arrival from Roma.

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