Chelsea sign Italy's Dragoni from Barcelona

Image caption, Giulia Dragoni made her Italy debut aged 16 in 2023

Giulia Dragoni made her Italy debut aged 16 in 2023

Chelsea have signed Italy midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona on a four-year contract.

The 19-year-old spent the past two seasons on loan at Roma, and Chelsea have been tracking her progress for several years.

Dragoni has 24 caps for Italy, having made her international debut aged 16, and has experience in the Women’s Champions League.

"I still can't believe I have signed for Chelsea," said Dragoni.

"When I was a child, not even in my biggest dreams did I think I would sign for Chelsea. It's unbelievable. I'm really excited.

"I spoke with Sonia [Bompastor] and she introduced me to the project here and showed me the possibilities. We all know Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world so it wasn't hard to convince me to come here."

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Dragoni joined Barcelona in 2023 after graduating from Inter Milan's youth academy.

It is understood Chelsea were attracted to Dragoni's quality because of her versatility and ability to play across multiple attacking positions and in midfield.

She becomes the club's fourth summer signing as they seek to regain the Women’s Super League title following Manchester City's success last season.