Report: Barcelona eyeing two Chelsea stars in the final year of their contract

Transfer News: Barcelona eyeing a move for both Chelsea midfielders N’Golo Kante and Jorginho next summer

Barcelona are interested in signing the Chelsea duo of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho next summer. Both midfielders see their current contract expire in 2023, according to the Evening Standard.

The duo will be free to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs in January, should they not sign a new deal by then. The west London club is open to renewing both midfielder’s contracts.

Kante has been offered a short-term contract with the midfielder still out due to a hamstring issue. The 31-year-old has not featured for his side since the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in August.

French side Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the French international, although the midfielder would like to remain in London.

Meanwhile, Jorginho has featured for the Blues in all 11 games this season in all competitions. The 30-year-old Italian international has been crucial for us in the midfield, since making a move to Stamford Bridge in 2018 from SSC Napoli.

The 30-year-old is also open to staying at the west London club, but could likely see interest from Italy too if he does not agree to a new deal. The UEFA Euro 2020 winner with Italy hasn’t been at his best in the past year or so but his quality still shows on occasions.

Both the clubs did some business together in the summer. Xavi signed the Blues duo of Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso, while he also pursued a failed deal for Cesar Azpilicueta. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moved the other way this summer, arriving for £10.3 million on deadline day.

It remains to be seen if Graham Potter is open to selling either or both of the midfielders. While their age could be considered a liability, they both have proved themselves to be excellent for their side in the middle of the park. Fan favourites, a free transfer would likely disappoint the faithful.

More Chelsea News:

• Gabriel Slonina to return to Chelsea for a short training stint before the World Cup
• Chelsea defender Thiago Silva gives a verdict of his contract situation at the club
• Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang takes a dig at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

We did sign Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei this summer while Conor Gallagher waits on the wings. The question, however, is if they are ready to become first-team regulars by the start of next season.