Chelsea confirm signing of French midfielder

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes for around £23 million.

The Blues have been active during the summer transfer window, and they have signed another promising young player.

Ugochukwu made 37 appearances for Rennes in the most recent campaign. He was one of the best performers for them.

The 19-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade, and it remains to be seen whether he will be with the squad next term.

A statement on the club's official website read: "We're delighted Lesley is joining Chelsea."

"He is an impressive young player who has already made his mark in Ligue 1.

"He has a huge amount of potential and we know he is going to continue to develop and improve."

Ugochukwu has travelled to the United States for Chelsea's final pre-season game against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago.

Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino is likely to hand him minutes in order to judge whether he can play for the first-team.

Based on this, the final decision could be made. The Blues could loan him out to Strasbourg if Pochettino does not fancy him.