Chelsea could face the prospect of losing midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante in the Summer of 2023 as discussions over contract extensions for both players have hit a stumbling block according to Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard. The duo have been vital squad members since their respective arrivals at Stamford Bridge, however, the West London club may need to prepare for life without them if extensions cannot be agreed beyond their current deals, which both expire at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The pair have helped guide Chelsea to multiple major trophies, including the Champions League and the Club World Cup within the last two seasons.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante Stall Over New Chelsea Contracts
Jorginho has begun talks with Chelsea over a new deal. He wants to stay but has only been offered parity with his current wage. After deciding what to do with Jorginho and Kante, Chelsea will look at extending Kovacic's deal: https://t.co/kj1dfSUAK3 #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) October 18, 2022
Jorginho Wants a Pay Rise
The reason behind the slow progress regarding Jorginho’s new contract appears to be due to the fact that the Italian wants a significant pay rise, with Kinsella saying: “The 30-year-old vice-captain has been presented with initial terms on an extended deal that would keep his wage similar to his current £120,000-a-week.
“However, the Italy international has asked for a pay rise that would see his salary rise in line with Cesar Azpilicueta, who recently signed a new £150,000-a-week deal.”
The Italy international has made 201 appearances for the club since joining from Napoli in 2018 so would undoubtedly create a huge hole in midfield should he depart the team in the summer.
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Kante Looking for a Long-Term Deal
Jorginho’s fellow midfielder, N’Golo Kante, is locked in his own contract battle with the club, with reports that the France international is looking for a longer deal than what is reportedly on the table.
Regarding Kante, Kinsella said the following: “Chelsea’s negotiations with Kante have also stalled after he wanted a longer-term agreement than the two-year deal offered that included a club option for an extra year.
“The discussions come amid another injury setback for Kante, whose hamstring complaint will now keep him out until after the World Cup.”
The 31-year-old already has a relatively lengthy injury history and is currently side-lined for a further four months following surgery to his injured hamstring. With such an unfortunate injury history, Chelsea may not be so keen to offer the Frenchman the long-term contract he desires.
Jorginho’s agent João Santos: “His contract is expiring in June but our priority is to negotiate with Chelsea, so we are on it”, tells TMW. 🚨🔵 #CFC
“Barcelona? Maybe I spoke about him or maybe about other players… I was there as also in Madrid, Lyon, Valencia — it’s my job”. pic.twitter.com/eG8fEnm6Pi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 13, 2022
What Happens if They Don’t Sign?
As Kinsella noted, both Jorginho’s and Kante’s current deals with Chelsea expire in the summer of 2023, which means that they will both be able to freely discuss potential free transfers with foreign clubs from January onwards.
Whilst Kinsella reports that both players would “prefer to stay at Stamford Bridge”, the prospect of losing two key players on a free transfer next summer is a daunting one for Chelsea fans. Not only would they lose two very talented players, but they would also likely be forced to outlay huge sums of money to replace them in the squad.
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