It was shortly ahead of new manager Antonio Conte's first game in charge against Rapid Vienna when news broke of Kante's deal being finalised. Sat in the press room of Rapid's impressive new Allianz Stadion, the chat among journalists quickly became about how he would fit in under Conte.
Which player would he replace? How would Conte's new system see the French midfielder utilised? Would he make them a more solid defensive unit?
In the space of 90 minutes, we got an idea to the answers of those questions. Kante wasn't lining up against Rapid for the grand opening of their new home, but in his absence, it was clear why Conte has dipped into the market to bring him to Stamford Bridge.