Watford have smashed their transfer record to win the race to sign Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr.
Crystal Palace and Valencia showed late interest in the Senegal star, while Arsenal had also been linked with the Africa Cup of Nations star.
But the Hornets have finally got the deal over the line on Thursday by paying £27.1million with another £4.6m in bonuses.
Sarr, 21, has signed a five-year deal and said: “It’s a real pleasure to join this club.
"It was my dream to play in England and I’m really excited to be here and to have signed for Watford .
“It was a dream for many years to play in this country because of the intensity and speed of the game. That is the way I play so it’s perfect for me.
“Hopefully the Watford fans are going to see some goals and the way I play with a lot of dribbles and speed, and hopefully that’s what they will be seeing a lot of in the future,” he said.
“I will give my best for the fans and for the club and they will see every week that I will give 100 per cent for Watford.”
Sarr, who has also played 23 times for Senegal, made 35 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes last season, tallying eight goals and six assists.
He is Watford's third senior recruit of the close season after they signed striker Danny Welbeck and centre back Craig Dawson.
Watford, who finished 11th under Javi Gracia last season, begin their league campaign on Saturday when they host Brighton and Hove Albion.
