Chelsea have seen their latest contract offer for N’Golo Kante rejected by the midfielder, confirms The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The midfielder isn’t pleased with the terms laid out for him, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2023.
David Ornstein: N’Golo Kante Rejects Chelsea’s Proposed Contract Extension
🔵 Chelsea made N’Golo Kante verbal offer last month of new 2+1y contract
🔵 31yo unwilling to accept, wants longer (old regime discussed 3+1)
🔵 #CFC factoring injuries
🔵 If not sorted, free agent 2023
🔵 2 PL clubs & others in Europe keen
@TheAthleticUK https://t.co/Tg3ezKgiFL— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 12, 2022
Details of Chelsea’s Offer to Kante Revealed
Ornstein has added that the offer made by Todd Boehly features a shorter length than what was previously on offer under former owner Roman Abramovich’s regime. The new owner was ready to offer the 31-year-old a two-year contract, with an option to extend it for the third year, whereas previously, the Frenchman was reportedly offered three years with the option of a fourth.
Read More: Chelsea Ready to Offer New Contract to Mason Mount
The midfielder is unwilling to accept Chelsea’s latest offer and is reportedly looking for the added security of a longer-term on his next contract. Ornstein pointed out that Kalidou Koulibaly, another Chelsea player the same age as Kante, was recently given a four-year contract when signing for the club in the summer. If the Blues are not able to produce a better offer and convince the World Cup winner to stay, he might be ready to leave for nothing after his contract expires in June 2023.
Kante’s Future Unclear After Contract Rejection
Since his arrival from Leicester City in 2016, Kante has become a key player and a popular figure at Stamford Bridge. The France international is reportedly happy to remain and the West London club and is prepared to finish his career with the Blues. But for that to happen, Boehly and his team will have to find the middle ground and offer more lucrative terms to finalize the new contract.
Ornstein adds that two English teams, as well as suitors from Spain, Germany and France, are all keeping tabs on the situation and would look to pounce should Kante become a free agent. The Blues already lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for nothing this past summer, allowing them to join Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively at the end of their contracts.
Read More: Edouard Mendy Rejects New Chelsea Contract Offer
Kante is regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football and was called a ‘top class player’ as well as ‘fantastic and unique’ by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. The 31-year-old has made 262 appearances for the Blues so far, helping them win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles.
N’Golo Kante has refused a new two-year contract offer from Chelsea – the midfielder's current deal runs out in 2023. (The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/eZ0HjuqYLa
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) September 13, 2022
