Real Madrid are reportedly ready to rekindle their interest in French midfielder N’Golo Kante, with Chelsea open to selling the 29-year-old.
According to a report from Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid are set to reignite their interest in Chelsea superstar N’Golo Kante, who could be offloaded this summer by the Premier League giants.
Kante signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2016, after having played an integral role in Leicester City’s surprise title triumph. He has since grown into a key member at Stamford Bridge, winning the league title, the FA Cup as well as the UEFA Europa League so far.
Injuries have hampered the 29-year-old over the past year or so, restricting him to just 18 Premier League appearances this season, in which he has bagged three goals.
Chelsea have been making quite the splash in the transfer market already. Having signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax for €40 million, they are also closing in on the signing of Timo Werner, who is likely to cost somewhere in between €55 million-€60 million.
In addition, the Blues are also planning to go all out for Kai Havertz, who could cost another €85 million, as per the report. And, in order to balance the books, Chelsea will be selling some of their current first-team members, with Kante being among the players to be potentially offloaded.
This has reportedly put Real Madrid on high-alert, as they eye reinforcements in the middle of the park. The Spanish giants had been keen on signing Kante back in 2016, but were beaten to the chase by Chelsea. They have, since, been monitoring the French World Cup winner.
Given the lack of a proper cover for first-choice defensive midfielder Casemiro, Real Madrid are in the market for reinforcements. French wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga remains their primary target, but with Rennes president Nicolas Holveck recently ruling out a sale, the Merengues are identifying alternative options, with Kante emerging as one.
The 29-year-old has had to deal with injury issues this season, but his quality remains undoubted. Having tasted success with Chelsea and the French national team, Kante would be a fine addition for Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid.
Kante could also be open to a move in the summer should Chelsea miss out on qualification to the Champions League. The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League, but the likes of Manchester United, Wolves and Sheffield United are hot on their heels. It, however, remains to be seen if Real Madrid do act on the reported interest in the coming weeks.
