Chelsea are now very close to agreeing a new contract with midfielder N’Golo Kante, confirms The Telegraph’s Matt Law on an episode of the London Is Blue podcast. The Frenchman has not played for them since August, but is nearing a return to full fitness for their end-of-season stretch.
N’Golo Kante Close to New Chelsea Contract
🚨 N’Golo Kante’s new contract with Chelsea is on the verge of being agreed.
🎙️Full update: https://t.co/krT8BA3aLh pic.twitter.com/dAyZXHsEF7
— London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) March 23, 2023
Barcelona Interest
It was reported earlier this season that Barcelona were closely monitoring the situation of Kante at Chelsea and were looking to sign him as a free agent in the summer transfer window. However, that seems unlikely to happen now.
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Law adds that the Blues are ‘on the verge’ of finalising a new contract with the 31-year-old, who has been a part of the club since joining from Leicester City in 2016. The Frenchman was involved in a lengthy contract extension process with his team. However, unlike Mason Mount, he is reported to be signing a new deal with the London side and is ready to stay on for a longer period with them.
Upcoming Return
The 31-year-old has been heavily plagued with injuries crisis this season. He was forced to miss the Qatar World Cup because of a hamstring injury and has only been restricted to making just two appearances for the Blues so far this season. His last appearance came in August, in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge – well before the period when Thomas Tuchel was sacked and replaced with Graham Potter.
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Kante has fallen in love with Chelsea, which played a key role in the negotiation process. The French midfielder is rumoured to currently earn commendable wages of £290,000-a-week, making him among the highest-paid players in the team. The 31-year-old has definitely deserved his salary, as he’s played a key role in helping the London side win major trophies during his stay- which includes both the Premier League and Champions League.
