AS Monaco confirm capture of Jonathan Panzo from Chelsea

AS Monaco have confirmed the capture of 17-year-old centre-back Jonathan Panzo from Chelsea.

The Under-17 World Cup winner has joined Monaco who are believed to be one of the best finishing schools in world football. The club have a growing reputation for developing young talent such as Kylian Mbappe, and Panzo has admitted he is delighted to be joining the Ligue 1 outfit.

As a result of the move Chelsea will be due a fee of around £2.5m.

Panzo becomes the latest rising star to join Monaco with promising Italian Pietro Pellegri having arrived in January.

The influence of sporting director Michael Emenalo, who was previously at Chelsea, is thought to be one of the chief reasons that Panzo has been persuaded to move to Monaco who are renowned for giving young players a chance.

“I’m really happy to join Monaco,” he told his new side’s official website. “It’s a big club that’s given confidence to young players and regularly plays in the Champions League.

“It’s another step in my career. I’m motivated by the idea of working with the staff and playing alongside great players.

“I hope to be integrated as quickly as possible to help the club attain its objectives.”

L’AS Monaco est heureux d’annoncer la signature de Jonathan Panzo (17 ans) en provenance de @ChelseaFC ! #WelcomeToMonaco pic.twitter.com/liqbzzwmlq

— AS Monaco (@AS_Monaco) July 6, 2018

Panzo was part of the England team that won the U-17 World Cup in 2017 and Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev sees the youngster as another valuable addition to the club’s project.

“We’re delighted to welcome him to Monaco,” he added. “He’s a player for the future who has already distinguished himself with the national team and with the Chelsea youth teams.

“We believe in him and his capacity to shine here at Monaco.”

Monaco have been busy building for the future and have been snapping up young talent from all over Europe. They have already signed France Under-21 international Samuel Grandsir from Troyes, while Rennes youngsters Wilson Isidor and Sofiane Diop have also joined the Stade Louis II club.

In addition Monaco spent big money – reportedly £18m – on Lyon’s Willem Geubbels as they look to challenge Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 this season.

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