N'Golo Kante: Potter to thwart Juventus and PSG transfer hopes
Suraj Radia
- 23 Sept 2022 20:29 BST
- 3 min read
New Chelsea manager Graham Potter is keen to keep hold of N'Golo Kante, with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain circling around the French midfielder.
Kante is in the final year of his contract and Juventus had previously enquired about the 31-year-old during Chelsea's negotiations for Matthijs De Ligt during the summer
However the Italian's side's interest was largely 'superficial' according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs and Juve boss Max Allegri was rumoured to prefer Kante's teammate Jorginho.
Prospective suitors have since become aware that Potter's arrival may result in Kante remaining at the club as he has always been a fan of Kante's and is hoping to assess the situation once the Frenchman is fit.
Kante was believed to have been verbally offered a two-year extension by Chelsea, with the option of a third year, however he has reportedly turned down the deal after the previous regime had discussed a longer contract.
Chelsea signed Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer on a three-year deal with the option of a fourth and Kante is thought to want a similar contract, particularly with both players being the same age.
However, Chelsea are reluctant to meet his demands as they have concerns over his fitness after he missed 36 league games in the past three seasons due to injury.
The Blues are also hoping Kante - one of the highest earners at the club - lowers his wage demands and one of former boss Thomas Tuchel's final acts was to ask the midfielder to compromise over his salary.
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Chelsea approaching midfield crossroads
With Jorginho also out of contract in the summer, Chelsea are desperate not to lose two of their most important midfielders on a free, although there is an acceptance that they need to strengthen regardless.
Chelsea signed youngster Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in the summer as well as loanee Denis Zakaria but neither are players Potter is likely to rely on.
Juventus interest in N'Golo Kante is only superficial at this point. Lots of clubs monitoring his situation, including PSG. Juventus first enquired on Kante during dialogue surrounding then-Juve defender Matthijs de Ligt. But Max Allegri preferred Jorginho, who wasn't keen.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 22, 2022
Juventus interest in N'Golo Kante is only superficial at this point. Lots of clubs monitoring his situation, including PSG. Juventus first enquired on Kante during dialogue surrounding then-Juve defender Matthijs de Ligt. But Max Allegri preferred Jorginho, who wasn't keen.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 22, 2022
Youngster Conor Gallagher impressed out on loan at Crystal Palace last season but he has struggled during his appearances for Chelsea this season, meaning the club may be forced to succumb to costly and long-term extensions for Kante and Jorginho.
Both players have interest from a host of European sides and they will be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with teams from January, signifying that Chelsea may have to make a decision soon.
Read more about: Premier League, Chelsea, Juventus, PSG, Carney Chukwuemeka, Conor Gallagher, Denis Zakaria, Jorginho, Matthijs de Ligt, N. Kanté
