MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 11:11:38| >> :120:6454:6454:

Chelsea 'awaiting N'Golo Kante response to contract offer'

Chelsea 'awaiting Kante response to contract offer'
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly waiting to discover whether N'Golo Kante wishes to accept the contract offer which has been presented to him.

N'Golo Kante is reportedly contemplating whether to accept the offer of a new contract at Chelsea.

The France international now has less than six months remaining on his existing terms at Stamford Bridge, where he has plied his trade since 2016.

With the midfielder not making an appearance since the second weekend of the season due to a hamstring injury and subsequent surgery, there has been a growing feeling that the Blues will take the opportunity to reduce their wage bill.

If Chelsea were to try to negotiate a new deal with the 31-year-old, negotiations were expected to remain on hold until the player proves his fitness.

However, according to Footmercato, the relevant parties have already been involved in extensive discussions regarding a fresh contract.

Chelsea owner and chairman Todd Boehly pictured in the stands on August 27, 2022© Reuters

The report claims that the Blues hierarchy have offered Kante a deal which is said to be marginally less in terms of a basic wage, but with further bonuses based on appearances.

Furthermore, it is suggested that any contract which is signed by Kante will run to 2026, either as a straight deal or one which comes with a 12-month option.

Kante, who is said to want to remain in London, is now taking his time to consider the proposal with the view of making a decision within the next few days.

Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, who have just signed Cristiano Ronaldo, are allegedly waiting in the wings should Kante opt to end his stint at Chelsea.

Benfica's Enzo Fernandez pictured on August 5, 2022© Reuters

The alleged development comes at a time when Chelsea are reportedly keen on securing a deal for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has a £106m release clause.

As it stands, negotiations have stalled as a consequence of Chelsea failing to meet those demands, instead preferring to spread any payment across a number of instalments.

Kante's teammate Jorginho is in an identical situation with regards to his contractual situation, the Italian currently in a position where he can discuss a future free transfer to a foreign club.

Chelsea also possess an option to sign Denis Zakaria from Juventus on a permanent basis in the summer, something which has become more likely of late with the Switzerland international now viewed as a first-choice option in Graham Potter's midfield.

Andrey Santos is on the brink of signing for Chelsea from Vasco da Gama, although the 18-year-old is not expected to immediately challenge for a spot in the senior ranks.

ID:503633:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5018:
Written by
Darren Plant

N'Golo Kante future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about N'Golo Kante

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Benfica's Enzo Fernandez pictured on August 5, 2022
Read Next:
Chelsea 'offer £87m plus three players for Fernandez'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!