Inter Milan have reportedly turned their attention towards N’Golo Kante and will prioritise the purchase of the Chelsea midfielder over Granit Xhaka.
According to a report by Calciomercato, Inter Milan are keen on securing the services of N’Golo Kante in the January transfer window. In fact, the Chelsea superstar has become the priority for the Nerazzurri, with the pursuit of Granit Xhaka set to be put on hold for now.
Kante joined Chelsea in the summer of 2016 on the back of a bizarrely successful 2015/16 Premier League-winning campaign with Leicester City. The French international was an instant hit at the west London club as well, playing a leading role as they won the top-flight title in 2016/17.
Since then, Kante has been a pivotal figure for Chelsea while consistently performing season after season. Of late, though, injuries have hampered the player’s progress and his game-time has had to be managed as a result. Kante’s stock, however, remains as high as ever, with several clubs making attempts to prise him away from Stamford Bridge. The latest such club are Inter Milan.
Ever since Antonio Conte arrived at Inter Milan, the Nerazzurri have been linked with a move for Kante. Indeed, Kante enjoyed his best period at Chelsea when Kante was the first-team boss. And, the Nerazzurri’s need for a player of Kante’s quality is understandable as well.
As things stand, Marcelo Brozovic is the only reliable holding midfielder at Conte’s disposal, with Nicolo Barella the only other midfielder who has managed to impress at all. Therefore, it is clear that Inter Milan could do with a midfield reinforcement, particularly with Matias Vecino being surplus to requirements.
Apart from Vecino, Christian Eriksen also faces an uncertain future at San Siro and has, in fact, been linked with a shock move to Arsenal as part of a swap deal that would see Granit Xhaka move the other way. However, as per the report, Inter Milan are ready to put the brakes on their pursuit of Xhaka, with Chelsea midfielder Kante now their priority.
In fact, the Serie A outfit have already established contact with Kante’s entourage and are now waiting to hear Chelsea’s stance over a possible January move. Considering how important Kante has been under Frank Lampard, it is unlikely that Chelsea will allow the French international to join Inter Milan.
Kante himself has previously snubbed the chance to leave the Premier League heavyweights and it will be interesting to see if he once again reacts the same way towards such an opportunity. If Chelsea do manage to keep hold of the 29-year-old, Inter Milan could turn their attention back towards Xhaka, and it remains to be seen how this rumour develops.
