Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Graham Potter’s arrival at Chelsea may influence N’Golo Kante’s future in west London.
The 31-year-old, who moved to Chelsea for £30m in 2016, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season, and talks appear to be stalling over fresh terms.
The Blues made an offer of two years with an option of a further 12 months but the French midfielder rejected the proposal, wishing for three years guaranteed and the option of another year.
As reported by David Ornstein, officials at Stamford Bridge were considering Kante’s persistent injuries when making their approach; and considering that the 2016/17 PFA Player of the Year will turn 32 in March, you could respect the board’s hesitancy.
Potter to assess Kante situation
However, Jacobs has suggested that the recently-appointed Graham Potter may have a part to play in negotiations.
Taking to Twitter, he said: ‘Suitors [PSG and Juventus] aware that Graham Potter’s arrival may change the Kante situation, although currently no contract extension is close. Potter has always been a big fan of Kante from afar and now keen to assess his form and role when fit.’
Chelsea miss Kante
Kante hasn’t featured for the Blues since the second weekend of the season, missing each of their last six games as his muscular problems persist.
The 53-cap France colossus has been described as ‘magic’ by Rangers icon Ally McCoist in the past for his indefatigable nature, and considering that Chelsea have won just twice and lost three times in his recent absence, it seems clear that the 31-year-old’s presence in the midfield engine room is being sorely missed.
It remains to be seen how loan signing Denis Zakaria fares out at Stamford Bridge, but it does appear that the club are looking to refresh their midfield, having expressed a desire to bring Ajax dynamo Edson Alvarez to west London late in the summer transfer window.
It could be a link which is revisited in 2023 if Kante’s future remains unresolved, although Jacobs’ update offers hope that the Frenchman will remain a Chelsea player for a little while longer.
