N’Golo Kante to wear the No. 7 shirt for Chelsea next season

N’Golo Kante has been handed the No. 7 shirt next season for Chelsea after his £32 million move from Premier League champions Leicester.

Kante, who is currently on an extended vacation, is yet to join up with the Blues following his involvement at Euro 2016 with hosts France, but will meet his new teammates this week for their tour of the United States.

Kante follows Brazil midfielder Ramires in wearing the No. 7, after the former Benfica star joined Jiangsu Suning in January.

Other notable number changes include Pedro. The Spain winger has opted to wear No. 11 after initially wearing No. 17 upon joining from Barcelona last season.

Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi has taken the No. 23 and Ola Aina — fresh from signing a new long-term deal — will wear No. 34.

.@nglkante’s squad number has been decided for the forthcoming campaign… https://t.co/nL2TsFu7XE

– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 25, 2016

The England youth international has been afforded an opportunity to play out of position at left-back for the Blues in their first two preseason games, and his versatility may be rewarded with a first-team squad place.

Wednesday night will see Antonio Conte’s side continue their preparation with a friendly against Liverpool.

Chelsea will hope to build confidence after being soundly beaten 2-0 by Rapid Vienna in their opening fixture of preseason. They rectified that against RZ Pellets with goals from Bertrand Traore, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah to clinch a 3-0 win.