Juventus are the latest club to queue up for N’Golo Kante’s signature as his situation at Chelsea is set to escalate beyond repair.
According to Calciomercato, Juventus have joined the hunt for N’Golo Kante as the midfielder’s situation at Chelsea is heading towards an impasse. The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and has been unable to agree to fresh terms with the west London side so far, thus alerting possible suitors.
N’Golo Kante’s future is a subject of concern among Chelsea fans. The Frenchman’s deal expires next summer, and there is no agreement to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. There seems to be an impasse between both parties, and the midfielder’s departure is increasingly likely.
The 31-year-old World Cup winner reportedly had an agreement in principle with former club owner Roman Abramovich. He expected new Chelsea chief Todd Boehly to honour the agreement. However, the hierarchy has only offered a two-year contract.
In Kante’s defence, the Chelsea midfielder could point at the lucrative, long-term deal offered to 31-year-old defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer. The club, however, remains concerned about the midfielder’s growing fitness issues. The Frenchman has played fewer games in the last 2-3 seasons.
OFFICIAL: N'Golo Kante will miss the World Cup after requiring surgery on his hamstring. He will be out for four months. pic.twitter.com/1BeeO1hMt7
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 18, 2022
The midfielder wants to stay at Chelsea, but as thing stand, his departure looks likely. He can agree on a pre-contract with foreign clubs in January. But Kante will have to wait until the summer to join another Premier League side.
North London sides Arsenal and Tottenham have shown an interest. Chelsea might see it as a blow if the 31-year-old were to join either of them. The Blues would prefer to see him play for a foreign club than a domestic rival.
Kante also interests Serie A clubs. And Juventus are keen on signing the midfielder owing to his potential availability on a free transfer. The Bianconeri have financial troubles. Hence, a ‘bargain’ deal could appease those in charge of the club.
Manuel Locatelli could be one of the departures, with the Italian international a top target for Arsenal in January. Financially, replacing the former Sassuolo midfielder with Kante would work for Juventus, despite the Chelsea midfielder only being a short-term solution.
Juventus are known to sign high-profile players at the end of their contracts. For now, the partnership between Chelsea and Kante could be at its conclusive stages. The midfielder has proved an efficient signing, winning every possible honour at the club level.
