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Danny Drinkwater: Chelsea Sign Midfielder From Leicester

Published

7 years ago

September 1, 2017

The 27-year-old was a key part of the Foxes side that won the Premier League in 2015-16, but asked to leave the club amid interest from the Blues.

Chelsea have also signed defender Davide Zappacosta from Torino on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

However, striker Fernando Llorente opted for Tottenham instead of a move to Stamford Bridge.

And Everton midfielder Ross Barkley changed his mind about joining Antonio Conte’s side.

Drinkwater played in 35 of Leicester’s 38 league games in their title-winning season and formed an impressive midfield partnership with N’Golo Kante, who joined Chelsea last July.

He has yet to play this season because of a thigh injury.

The playmaker, who joined Leicester in 2012 from Manchester United, has won three England caps since making his international debut in March 2016.

‘I’m delighted to be a Chelsea player and can’t wait to get started,” said Drinkwater. “It has been a long journey to get here but I am very happy and am looking forward to helping the club win more trophies.’

Zappacosta has been capped four times by Italy, with Blues boss Conte handing him his first call-up to the national squad in May 2016.

The 25-year-old full-back joined Torino from Atalanta in 2015 and made 29 Serie A appearances last season.

“I hope I can show my quality to the coach, my team-mates and the supporters,” said Zappacosta.