N'Golo Kante is close to signing a new contract with Chelsea. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano via his Twitter account has provided an update on Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and his future at the club. The journalist has claimed that there is a huge chance that the French midfielder could leave as a free agent next summer.
Kante sees his current contract expire next summer. While talks have been going on between the club and the player, no agreement has been reached so far. It is believed that the 31-year-old would like to stay at the west London club.
The French international joined the Blues in 2016 for £30 million from Leicester City. Since then, he has proven himself to be worth every single dime, winning every available trophy with the Blues except the Carabao Cup.
While he has had a glorious career at Stamford Bridge, the 31-year-old in recent times has struggled to stay fit throughout the season. Considered as the ‘engine’ of the midfield, it seems his fuel has run out now.
The midfielder has only managed to play two games this season, his last appearance being a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at home back in August. Since then, he has been on the sidelines and was also not included in the World Cup squad for France.
Chelsea have struggled in the middle of the park due to his absence. One of the best holding midfielders of the game, the likes of Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria have struggled to replicate the form and technicality similar to that of the Frenchman.
It was always going to be a difficult task in finding a replacement for Kante. But till such an alternative is found, it will be wise to keep the player in the team. The Blues would be wise to offer a short contract with the option to extend for another year.
Kante has some admirers for his service, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Juventus believed to be interested. It remains to be seen if the Blues can agree to a new contract or will allow him to leave for free with the latter looking like a higher possibility.
His recent injury issues and age do make him a risky player to tie down to a new deal. If by any chance we get the France international to agree to a new short-term deal, then it would be ideal. If not, then perhaps it’s time to move on.
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