N’Golo Kante set to sign new three-year deal at Chelsea

EPL Sport

N’Golo Kante looks set to stay at Chelsea after agreeing a new three-year contract with the club, according to reports.

The Blues legend moved to Stamford Bridge in 2016 for £32million, fresh off the back of winning the Premier League with Leicester City.

He was an instant hit in west London, winning the league title in his first season and being named PFA and FWA Player of the Year.

Since then, the defensive midfielder has played 262 times for the club, winning the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and Club World Cup.

 

He has also been a crucial player for his country, winning the 2018 World Cup and finishing runner-up at Euro 2016 with France.

This season will not go down in history for Kante however, having made just two appearances, and none since August due to a persistent hamstring injury, though it is hoped he will be back on the pitch sometime in March.

His absence has coincided with Chelsea’s abysmal form this campaign that has left Graham Potter’s side 10th in the table and closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

And with Potter and Todd Boehly looking to completely overhaul the squad they inherited with new, highly expensive signings, it did appear that Kante, who is out of contract in the summer, would be on his way out.

But according to French outlet Foot Mercato, he will pen a new deal that will keep him at the Bridge until 2026, with the option to extend until 2027.

 

Chelsea have been in negotiations with the 31-year-old since January and it is said that great progress was made in the talks over the last few weeks.

This news will no doubt come as a blow to the likes of Barcelona and PSG who were reportedly interested in snapping the French international up on a free transfer.

 

Given his ability, this is no doubt a positive for Chelsea fans but it still leaves Potter with a big headache as to which players will have to be sold come the summer.

 

In the meantime, the club will hope to be back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Leeds.