Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'remain keen to hand N'Golo Kante new contract'

By Darren Plant, Senior ReporterPublished: 06 April 2023 12:16 PM

Chelsea 'remain keen to hand Kante new contract'

Chelsea reportedly remain determined to extend the contract of midfielder N'Golo Kante, despite the current off-the-field distractions.

Chelsea reportedly still have every intention of extending the contract of midfielder N'Golo Kante.

Throughout this season, it has been known that the World Cup winner has entered the final 12 months of his contract, leading to glances from elsewhere.

However, that situation has occurred at a time when Kante has spent much of the campaign on the sidelines, going without a competitive appearance between the second weekend of the season and April due to a hamstring injury.

More recently, however, the 31-year-old has returned to the fold, beginning with a substitute outing versus Aston Villa on April 1.

Three days later, Kante played 69 minutes during the fixture with Liverpool, producing an encouraging performance despite his lack of game time.

Chelsea's N'Golo Kante in action with Liverpool's Curtis Jones on April 4, 2023 © Reuters

Although it has been widely speculated that the relevant parties are on the brink of finalising terms over a new contract, there could be a perception that the process has been complicated.

Within the past 10 days, Chelsea have announced losses of £121m, leaving them under pressure to make cutbacks and meet FFP criteria in the short and long term.

Furthermore, Graham Potter has been removed from his role as head coach, which will result in the temporary return of Frank Lampard while a more extensive search for a longer-term appointment is undertaken.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are no reservations about extending the stay of Kante.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

Todd Boehly and co are said to view Kante as an important part of their project and have been left impressed by his professionalism.

Negotiations allegedly remain ongoing, although a potential point for confirmation of a renewal of at least two years is unclear at this stage.

Chelsea are unlikely to want any distractions in the short term with Lampard due to take charge in time for Saturday's Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The West Londoners then square off against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu, with matches versus Brighton & Hove Albion and the second leg against Los Blancos to take place at Stamford Bridge shortly afterwards.