Chelsea have signed former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.
The Spaniard, 27, spent three years at Barca and joins the Blues after Arsenal turned down a first option to buy him.
Fabregas, on World Cup duty with Spain, said Chelsea matched his football ambitions, adding he had “unfinished business” in the Premier League.
“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice,” he said.
The arrival of Fabregas at Chelsea comes 10 days after England midfielder Frank Lampard announced he would end his 13-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
And Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also keen to finalise the transfer of his Spanish team-mate Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid.
“They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can’t wait to start playing,” the Spaniard added.
Fabregas, who scored 50 times in 305 games for Arsenal during his previous spell in England, will join Ramires, Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel as midfield options for Mourinho.
The Barcelona youth-team product said it was “extremely important” the move was completed before the World Cup.
