Chelsea strengthen defence with Maelys Mpome signing

Chelsea have bolstered their backline for the second time this summer after confirming the arrival of Maelys Mpome from Montpellier on a four-year deal.

Strengthening defensively and opening up head coach Sonia Bompastor's options ahead of her first 2024/25 campaign has been a priority this window, shown with the capture of Lucy Bronze.

New recruits Mpome and Bronze will join the likes of established team players such as Millie Bright, Eve Perisset and Ashley Lawrence. The 21-year-old has featured as a regular in Montpellier's team for the past three seasons, after making the move from VGA Saint-Maur in 2020.

Mpome has typically been a centre-back in her career to date, but it remains to be seen how she might fit into Bompastor's dynamic style of play. Alongside her significant club football experience, Mpome has also represented France up to the Under-23 age group, proving she's a worthwhile talent.

Previous Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was known for nurturing young talent when she was at the Chelsea helm and it's clear Bompastor will try to do similar, considering the recent arrivals of other promising players like Julia Bartel and Louna Ribadeira, both 20.

Mpome said joining the Blues is "like living a dream". General manager Paul Green added: "Maelys has good experience for her age and has developed well at Montpellier in the last few years. She is a tall and athletic defender whose profile we believe will suit the WSL."

As well as Bronze, Bartel, Ribadeira and Mpome, Chelsea have also landed France internationals Sandy Baltimore and Oriane Jean-Francois since the summer transfer window opened. The deadline falls on Friday 13 September and the new WSL campaign begins a week later.