Chelsea sign Montpellier defender Mpome until 2028

Maelys Mpome has represented France up to under-23 level

Women's Super League champions Chelsea have signed defender Maelys Mpome from Montpellier on a deal until 2028.

The 21-year-old is a French youth international and predominately plays as a centre-back.

She joined Montpellier - where Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor herself spent four years as a player - in 2020 and made 42 appearances for the French top-tier side, scoring three goals.

Mpome said becoming a Chelsea player is "just like living a dream to join such a big club".

Blues general manager Paul Green said Mpome has "good experience for her age" thanks to her development at Montpellier.

"She is a tall and athletic defender whose profile we believe will suit the WSL," he added.

Chelsea begin their WSL title defence against Aston Villa on 20 September at 19:00 BST, live on the BBC.