Chelsea are reportedly looking to target Lyon starlet Tanguy Ndombele as a potential replacement for N’Golo Kante, who is on the radar of PSG.
Goal understands that Chelsea are laying down contingency plans for the exit of N’Golo Kante. The Chelsea star is attracting interest from various spectres of European football, with PSG leading the race so far. And the Blues are looking to target Lyon youngster Tanguy Ndombele in case the Frenchman does depart.
N’Golo Kante has had a massive impact for Chelsea since being brought in by the club in 2016 from Leicester City. Coming in on the back of a brilliant campaign for Leicester City, Kante replicated his form for the Blues, dominating the midfield as Chelsea secured the 2016-17 Premier League title.
The player’s Chelsea future though, is a shrouded with doubt. PSG have been courting Kante for a while now and seem ready to bid in excess of £100 million to land the Frenchman. Chelsea have already been in the market for a partner for Kante. But, the club may have to search for an entirely new midfield partnership, should Kante end up leaving.
For one, the Blues would not like to lose N’Golo Kante and will fight tooth and nail to retain his services beyond the summer. But, Chelsea are aware that the absence of Champions League football coupled with PSG’s intent and their financial prowess could mean they have to part with the Frenchman.
According to Goal, Chelsea are already laying down their own strategy to counter the contingency . The Blues plan to move for Lyon youngster Tanguy Ndombele in case of Kante’s departure.
The 2017-18 campaign served as the breakout campaign for Tanguy Ndombele. Coming back from a decent loan stint at SC Amiens, the player made the defensive midfield slot his own at Lyon, ending the season with 50 appearances to his name.
Needless to say, there has been the dawn of interest from many areas, thanks to his performances. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United were all named to be in pursuit of the player. Chelsea though, could ramp up their interest in the 21-year-old.
Ndombele is similar in many ways to Kante. Chelsea could lure Ndombele with improved terms on his current contract at Lyon combined with the prospect of playing in the Premier League. The prospect of replacing Kante can be daunting. But, as Wilfred Ndidi has been able to prove at Leicester, there is no reason why Ndombele cannot have the same impact at Chelsea.
The move hinges entirely on Chelsea’s ability to retain the services of N’Golo Kante.
