Barcelona are closing in their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante on a free transfer next season.
As per Spanish media outlet Sport, N’Golo Kante could don the Barcelona jersey next season as the midfielder is expected to arrive at Nou Camp on a free transfer.
The French midfielder’s existing deal is set to expire next summer and he hasn’t committed his future to the West London giants. The French international missed the World Cup due to a hamstring injury and it could further force him to miss a few more days complicating his career.
Barcelona are willing to bet big on the player and a preliminary agreement could be sealed by January. Personal terms are unlikely to pose a real problem and the Catalans might secure another shrewd move for a player who has been pretty consistent.
Persistent injury issues have been a problem but that won’t block his move to the Spanish giants. Barcelona’s current financial mess has altered their approach to the transfer market and they have been relying a lot on free agents.
Despite their need to bolster their midfield, the club wants to be assured of Kante’s fitness before offering him a deal. His current wage also could be an issue and the 31-year-old might have to accept a lower salary.
Franck Kessie hasn’t been able to stamp his authority in the midfield since his arrival from AC Milan on a free transfer while this could be Sergio Busquets’ last season for the Spanish club.
Kante has already showcased what he is capable of and Xavi wants the player to be his orchestrator in the midfield. The player is pretty comfortable in dictating possession and could pull the strings from the base of the midfield.
Barcelona have readied their contingency plan in case Kante fails to get fit in time and his fellow Chelsea teammate Jorginho has emerged as their alternative plan.
The Italian midfielder is also in his last year of the contract and is interested in accepting a fresh new challenge when his Chelsea contract ends. Kante would have to undergo a rigorous fitness challenge in a bid to prove he still has the capability to overrun the opponent’s midfield.
