Papy Djilobodji to Chelsea: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Chelsea have completed the capture of Papy Djilobodji from Nantes on a four-year deal, adding steel to their defence at a time of need for Jose Mourinho's men.

The Blues confirmed the transfer:

As reported on the club's official website, Djilobodji was thankful for the opportunity to play for a top club: "I’m very happy to sign for a big club like Chelsea and I want to do my best to help the team win titles. I want to thank the club for giving me this opportunity."

Dominic Fifield of the Guardian confirmed Djilobodji will set Chelsea back £2.7 million. Here’s a look at what Djilobodji is capable of:

On paper, the rangy defender looks a perfect fit for the Premier League. Djilobodji blossomed into one of the most commanding but underrated defenders in Ligue 1 during his time at Nantes.

The Senegal star is a classy distributor of the ball and loves striding out from the back to start attacks with sharp passes into midfield. But as noted here by OptaJean, Djilobodji is primarily a proper defender who takes few risks:

Chelsea have conceded nine goals in their opening four Premier League games and have looked a little ropey against teams who apply pressure on what is usually an unshakeable defensive structure.

As a 27-year-old, Djilobodji is a player for the present rather than the future, and he’ll fancy his chances of making an immediate impact in England.

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

The change of surroundings means we may have to wait a while to see the best from the former Nantes man, but his uncomplicated style of defending should serve him well. For a meagre fee, due to the defender having less than a year on his previous Nantes deal, Mourinho will feel as though he’s pulled off a coup by drafting Djilobodji in.

There is a lot of talent to work with when it comes to the defender, and in a transfer window that’s been rife with excessive spending, this savvy acquisition looks like wonderful value for Chelsea.