Chased by the likes of Bournemouth, Sunderland and Celtic, the Senegal international has somehow secured a remarkable move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day.
Papy Djilobodji trod a well-worn path from Ligue 1 to the Premier League this summer. Yet his move from Nantes to Chelsea must rate as one of the most unexpected of a busy transfer window.
The Senegal international has spent his last five years establishing himself as a respectable defender in France’s top flight – but one of Chelsea quality? Not exactly.
Standing close to 6 feet 4 inches and broad shouldered, there can be little doubt that the 26-year-old possesses the physical build to play in England.