Former Nigeria international Michael Emenalo has trumped AC Milan in the race for Spain star Cesc Fabregas, with the midfielder completing his transfer to the Principality side on Friday.

The 31-year-old World Cup winner has committed himself to Monaco until June 30, 2022, having put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Emenalo convincing Fabregas to join Monaco is expected to partially compensate for the departures of Fabinho, Moutinho and Lemar last summer and Bakayoko the previous season as the young Youri Tielemans has been unable to step into their shoes.

Fabregas chose Monaco ahead of his other suitors because he knows the sporting director, Emenalo, who made him come to Chelsea in 2014 from Barcelona.

The Nigerian's next job is to convince  Michy Batshuayi to join Monaco, he gave Chelsea the green-light to sign the Belgium striker from Marseille in 2016.

Monaco appointed Michael Emenalo to the role of Sporting Director in November 2017 after ten years of hard work at Chelsea.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel