The 25-year-old has agreed pre-contract terms on a three-year deal which commits her to the club until the summer of 2023. She will join up with Emma Hayes’ squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.Leupolz arrives from the Frauen-Bundesliga with a wealth of experience and has proven pedigree at the highest level. In her six years at Bayern Munich she has won two league titles and captained the side for two seasons.

The midfielder has also had success on the international stage. She has been a part of the senior German national team since 2013 and has already competed at four major tournaments, winning gold medals at the 2013 UEFA Women’s European Championship and at the Olympic Games in 2016.Upon agreeing the pre-contract terms, Leupolz said: ‘It’s a really big move, it’s my first move to another country and I’m really looking forward to it.‘I believe in what Chelsea are doing as a club and I am excited to be a part of that. They want to win titles, and so do I.‘I also like the style of football they play. I have seen a lot of their matches and I think it’s the right club for me.’

Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes added: ‘Melanie has the right qualities that we look for in players at Chelsea. She’s got international experience, been the captain of Bayern Munich and her best years are yet to come.‘It’s a real statement of intent that she chose Chelsea and it shows just how far we’ve come as a football club.‘Melanie is versatile, she’s got wonderful qualities in the midfield areas and she will provide much-needed depth – I’m looking forward to welcoming her to the club.’

More words from Melanie Leupolz are to follow later today…