According to reports, N’golo Kante is hoping to sign a deal that will keep him at Chelsea for at least the next three years.
According to The Evening Standard, the Blues have so far refused to offer a deal that lasts more than two years at Stamford Bridge.
Injuries have completely ruined Kante’s season this year, leaving him unable to contribute to the club during a difficult period.
He has been out since the season’s second game, when he was forced off in the second half against Tottenham. Perhaps a foreshadowing of how things would unfold this season, the Blues conceded in the 96th minute to Harry Kane while he was off the field.
N’golo Kante on the verge of leaving Chelsea as a free agent
Kante, for example, was once considered for selection by current manager Graham Potter, who has been forced to scramble due to an injury crisis across the pitch.
Kante wishes to remain with Chelsea.
This makes a long-term decision about his future extremely difficult. The club must balance his importance when he is fit with how frequently they have been able to rely on him recently.
According to the Evening Standard, Kante’s desire to stay is not being questioned, with him expressing strong desire to stay in West London.
However, the report goes on to say that the club’s ownership is not looking to extend the contract beyond two years, with a third option.
Enzo Fernandez, who joined the Blues in the final hours of January, now has a partner.
A player with Kante’s qualities would certainly counteract Fernandez’s technical brilliance, but there are reports that they are instead looking to sign their ideal replacement.