The highly rated 21-year-old defender bolsters Sonia Bompastor’s options at the back ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

Mpome is a French youth international who has been a regular in Montpellier’s team in each of the past three seasons. She joined the Premiere Ligue side from VGA Saint-Maur in 2020.

Mpome has predominantly often been deployed in the centre of defence and has represented France up to the Under-23 age group.

On becoming a Chelsea player, Mpome said: ‘I am really excited to be here. It’s just like living a dream to join such a big club. Now I just can’t wait to meet the team and start training.’

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. We look forward to seeing her further develop and improve in the upcoming years.’

Everyone at Chelsea is delighted to welcome Maelys to the club, and we wish her every success for the forthcoming years in blue!