Kurt Zouma has signed a new deal with Chelsea ahead of joining Stoke City on a season-long loan.
He was restricted to 13 appearances for the first team last season, despite the departures of John Terry and Nathan Ake, Antonio Rudiger's arrival has increased competition at Stamford Bridge.
"I am absolutely delighted to be here," he told Stoke's website.
"From the first time I spoke to the club I just knew that Stoke City would be the best place for me to come and grow as a player. The manager spoke very well and I also spoke to a few of my teammates at Chelsea, who had played here before, and they had many very good things to say.
"They told me that I would be made to feel very welcome here, that I would be looked after and that the group of players here would help me to settle straight in. There were just so many positive things that I heard from many people - it is the right move for me to make and I just can't wait to get the season underway now."
Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo told chelseafc.com: "It is fantastic Kurt has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea. He has shown his talent since joining us three years ago, and has returned from a serious injury with a fantastic attitude.
"Now he has the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League and we will be monitoring his progress closely while he is at Stoke."