N’Golo Kante has featured twice for Chelsea in the Premier League so far this season.
Chelsea are reportedly edging closer to striking a deal to extend N’Golo Kante’s contract at Stamford Bridge, despite it being a risky move. The midfielder will become a free agent at the end of the season, with top European clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
Kante has been a stalwart for the Blues since his arrival from Leicester City in 2016, making 185 appearances for the club. However, the past few seasons have been tricky for the 31-year-old and led to some questioning about where his future lies.
The France international has been struggling with injuries that have forced him to spend extended spells on the sidelines, making only two Premier League appearances for the club this season. Kante is yet to feature under Graham Potter, denting his hopes of extending his stay at Stamford Bridge given that the former Brighton boss is keen to invest in his midfield options.
But, according to Santi Aouna, the midfielder is close to extending his contract with Chelsea and has been offered a three-year deal. Kante currently earns almost £300,000-per-week at present, and it is believed that the Blues have offered him a wage ‘close’ to that.
Kante is reportedly set to sign a new contract (Image: Getty)
Given that Kante turns 32 in March, handing him such a significant contract is a major risk for the club. The midfielder has not been seen since August, over 180 days ago, and there are no guarantees that this won’t become a recurring issue given that he has faced several setbacks in his rehabilitation.
Reports circulated that the player was keen to remain at Chelsea if possible, which begs the question, why were they unable to negotiate to pay him lower wages? Of course, Todd Boehly has arrived with cash to splash, but it could have a knock-on effect on future business and the contracts that can be offered to marquee signings.
Boehly is taking a gamble in offering Kante a new deal (Image: Getty)
Chelsea have been linked with several midfielders over the past few weeks, with Potter desperate to bring in at least one reinforcement in the centre of the park before the transfer window closes. Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez was the top target, though the Blues do not appear willing to match his £106million release clause at this stage.
The Argentina international is keen to make the move to the Premier League and has reportedly already agreed on a contract with the Blues. He was also dropped from the matchday squad to face Portomonense, sparking further speculation that his head is elsewhere.
Chelsea ‘will not sack Graham Potter even if they miss out on top four’
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will reportedly keep faith with manager Graham Potter even if they miss out on the Champions League places this season.
Thursday night’s defeat to Manchester City left the club in 10th position in the Premier League, 10 points off the top four with West London rivals Brentford and Fulham above the Blues in the league table.
Previous owner Roman Abramovich employed a total of 14 managers in his two-decade stint as owner, however, The Mirror reports that Boehly believes that the former Brighton & Hove Albion man is the right person to lead the club to success, and is willing to back the 47-year-old with financial investment, so that he can make his mark on the playing squad.
Chelsea have lost four of their last eight matches, winning just one, and Potter will have to drastically improve that form to overhaul the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The club are currently without 10 first-team players; Armando Broja, Mason Mount, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were all ruled out for the clash with Pep Guardiola‘s side, with Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic leaving the field during the contest.
The former Ostersunds FK manager was appointed in September on a five-year contract after the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel.
SOURCE: express.co.uk, sportsmole.co.uk
