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Spanish club Sevilla have confirmed the departure of promising young midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia to Monaco, Sky Sports reports.
The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the top youngsters in La Liga after a highly impressive campaign last term, and had been targeted by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea for much of this summer.
However, it emerged earlier this week that the Frenchman had chosen to join big-spending Ligue 1 side Monaco, becoming the latest big name to move to the club this summer.
Kondogbia had a £17.2million release clause with Sevilla, and it is believed he played some part in buying out his own contract to help force through a move.
Sevilla issued a statement on the player’s departure, saying: “Geoffrey Kondogbia is already history at Sevilla FC. The French international has officially informed the club that he will unilaterally rescind his contract.”
Club president Jose Maria del Nido added that Kondogbia’s exit was very much expected, and the loan signing of Queens Park Rangers’ Stephane Mbia was brought in as preparation for the move.
“Since last week, we have heard that this was going to happen,” Del Nido revealed.
“We considered the possibility and from there we have brought in Mbia, who ultimately comes in to cover the position but who can also play at centre-back.
“Monaco have known that Sevilla had closed its doors. We have referred them to the buyout clause and they have acted as such against the will of Sevilla.
“I would think that there has been no lack of professionalism and I understand that he has been professional.”
Kondogbia will join the likes of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez in joining Claudio Ranieri’s side this summer, in a team that looks increasingly like mounting a serious challenge for the Ligue 1 title against fellow big-spenders PSG.