Chelsea ‘surprisingly’ resolve to sell key man in January as Potter relationship breaks down
According to a report, Chelsea could decide to sell N’Golo Kante during the January transfer window and have set a price for the midfielder.
Kante is in the final year of his contract with Chelsea, the club he has ably represented since 2016. He has not yet appeared for Graham Potter due to injury issues. Additionally, he will miss the World Cup with France.
While Kante was recuperating from his hamstring injury, there were numerous rumors about his possible departure from Chelsea. Beginning in January, he will be able to sign pre-contract agreements with clubs outside of England.
Chelsea may attempt to sell him for a transfer fee at their last opportunity, as the likelihood of a contract renewal diminishes by the day.
According to La Repubblica, Chelsea may sell Kante in January instead of keeping him until he becomes a free agent.
The report indicates that Chelsea have “surprisingly” become open to selling the 31-year-old. To release him, they are seeking £18 million from interested parties.
While Chelsea have not abandoned the idea of renewing Potter’s contract, their relationship with him is “not ideal.”
Consequently, four clubs are examining the possibility of luring Kante away from Stamford Bridge.
Perhaps most alarming is the fact that Premier League rivals Tottenham are among them. The move could reunite Kante with former Blues manager Antonio Conte.
Kante could also decide to leave the Premier League. Paris Saint-Germain may return him to his native France, but they are currently considering building a project with younger players.
Accordingly, the report predicts a two-way competition to bring Kante to Serie A, which would be an entirely new experience for him.
Recently, it was revealed that Juventus is interested in him, but now it has been reported that Inter Milan is also interested.
La Repubblica reports that both Italian clubs have already contacted Kante’s representatives. However, they have discovered that his salary of over £15,000,000 per year (£290,000 per week) is unattainable.
If Kante wishes to join them, he may be required to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate a compromise.
Where should Kante go next?
Despite his recent physical setbacks, Kante remains an attractive player to many elite clubs.
Therefore, he should have several options for his next step following Chelsea.
The possibility of remaining in the Premier League without relocating could be enticing. However, any decision to join Tottenham should not be based solely on Antonio Conte, whose future is uncertain.
Therefore, Kante should possibly also consider his suitors abroad. It would be especially intriguing to observe his performance in the more tactical Serie A.
In recent months, Juventus has attempted to strengthen its midfield. Injuries have also prevented them from using Kante’s compatriot Paul Pogba since his return from Manchester United.
Other clubs have shown interest in Inter players Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella over the past few months.
Kante will need to carefully consider where he may fit in best. But wherever he goes, he will be eager to demonstrate he still has something to offer.
Chelsea ‘surprisingly’ resolve to sell key man in January as Potter relationship breaks down
