World-class Chelsea star could be on his way out of the club in January

N’Golo Kante faces an uncertain future at Chelsea if the Blues land Declan Rice in January

According to The Daily Star, Chelsea star N’Golo Kante will face an uncertain future at the club if they sign Declan Rice in January.

The West Ham United star was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge all summer. However, it came to nought and the player stayed put.

It has been a busy summer at the Bridge. Frank Lampard was generously backed as he strengthened a number of key positions but one was left unaddressed.

With a defensive midfielder still on the agenda, the club could look to address the issue in January.

Chelsea still looks suspect at the back and have conceded six goals in four Premier League games so far. This has led to Lampard’s assessment that the defence has unsubstantial protection.

Rice appears to be the club’s top target and this could spell the end of Kante’s time at the Bridge. The Frenchman, however, is not lacking suitors, with some of Europe’s biggest names keeping tabs on him.

According to the report, the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan are all interested in securing Kante’s services.

Once Rice is signed, Chelsea could be willing to part ways with the 29-year-old World Cup winner. Doing so will bring an end to what has been an illustrious career in Blue.

The Frenchman has been with Chelsea for a little over four years now, having joined from Leicester City in 2016. He has since grown into an integral member of the team.

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On his day, Kante is amongst the best defensive midfielders in world football. He had scant chances of showing it last season due to persistent injuries. Now back to fitness, it remains to be seen if his time at the Bridge is running out.

Rice certainly has a high ceiling and could turn out to be a leading Premier League star. But for now, he has some way to go before reaching the level set by Kante.