Chelsea new-boy Tiemoue Bakayoko has spoken about his eagerness to play alongside ‘the best player in the Premier League’ last season. The £40m man, signed from Monaco last week, expressed his delight at being able to play with fellow countryman N’Golo Kante at Chelsea, a man who could easily have been named as the Premier League’s best player over the past two seasons.

Bakayoko is likely to partner Kante in Chelsea’s midfield next season and will hope to defend their Premier League crown. The 22-year-old spoke of how Kante will help him develop as a player, and with the 2018 World Cup just round the corner, their partnership could boost France’s already strong chances of winning the trophy.

“N’Golo has proved it all,” said Bakayoko on Chelsea’s official website.

“He was the best player in the Premier League last season in the middle of the pitch and that is not easy. To play alongside him would be something very good for me and it can help me progress.”

“I’ve played a match with him for the French national team so we know each other very well and I hope we can do beautiful things together this year.”

Bakayoko also spoke about his decision to join the Premier League champions, saying that he believes Chelsea are the biggest club in England: “I am very happy to be here. For me this is the biggest English club, and I hope to achieve great things here. I am very proud.”

“Chelsea is a great club with a great history, and they are the champions of England. My wish was to be at the best English club there is today.”

“I am very happy and proud for me, my family and the people who have been following me for a very long time. Now the work starts for all of us together to progress.”