Chelsea prepare to offer French midfielder new deal despite injury struggles

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By Martin Graham | 23rd Feb 2023

Reports coming out of the Chelsea camp indicate that the West London club are preparing a new deal for N’Golo Kante, whose return from injury is getting closer.

Kante has been a stalwart of the Blues since joining from Leicester City in 2016, the season after the Foxes stunned England and the world by claiming the Premier League title. Being one of the best players if that team, he was covered by a number of clubs and eventually signed for Chelsea, with whom he won the Premier League again in his first season, becoming the first player to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs.

Kante has since gone on to win other trophies with the club including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, while playing a key role for the club in those wins.

The 2022/23 season has been different for the 2018 World Cup winner, however, no thanks to a slew of injuries and relapses he has suffered. Having played less than 10 games in all competitions for the club this season, he has seen the team undergo changes to adapt to his absence. The biggest is the English record signing of 2022 World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to take his spot in the team.

The Argentine has performed exceptionally since swapping Benfica for Chelsea in the January transfer window, even when the team has played badly. Many have started to believe that Kante’s time is up at the club, especially with suitors like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain lined up for the former Caen midfielder.

Recent reports now indicate that Chelsea are still looking to keep their talismanic midfielder whose return to the squad from injury is drawing near.

The 31-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season but he could sign an extension to stay with the club for longer. There is no news on the details of the contract extension, but it is known that his main suitors are Barcelona, who are looking for a replacement for Sergio Busquets in the heart of their midfield.

Previous reports also indicate that Kante is leaning towards a move to the Catalan giants which puts Chelsea in a precarious situation concerning their talismanic midfielder.

It remains to be seen what Kante and his entourage will decide, but at 31, it is likely that the French midfielder will be interested in another challenge after winning everything with the Premier League club.