Chelsea are running out of time to extend N’Golo Kante’s contract.
The French international’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season and, according to prominent transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are “not easy” and that could pave the way for a departure from Stamford Bridge.
Kante, 31, has been with the Blues since moving from Leicester City’s title-winning side in 2015-16 in 2016.
Despite enjoying six years of great success in London, the 31-year-old defensive midfielder, who has won six major trophies with the Blues, appears to be nearing the end of his Chelsea career.
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Unless Todd Boehley can successfully strike a deal and renew the experienced midfielder’s deal, Kante will become a free agent and could negotiate a move to a foreign club as early as the January transfer window.
Recent reports have linked Kante with a surprise move to Barcelona (RMC Sport), but while the player fits the Catalan giant’s profile, a transfer is still some way off, but that doesn’t mean the Frenchman’s future at Chelsea is assured.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about N’Golo Kante?
Writing in his exclusive CaughtOffside column on Substack, Romano said: “I was told there is still nothing moving forward between him and any club.
“He is happy in London, but the negotiations with Chelsea are not easy, so he has a serious chance of leaving for free.
“Barcelona is always informed about possible free agents, including Kante; but it is not yet an advanced negotiation”.
Since joining the Blues, Kante has also appeared in 262 games, in all competitions, directly contributing to 28 goals along the way.
