Arsenal will face competition to sign N'Golo Kante in the summer should they wish to pick the Frenchman up for free. The 31-year-old's contract expires at the end of this season and despite ongoing conversations with Chelsea, his future is still undecided.
Kante hasn't played since August due to serious injuries that have kept him out of action so far this term, though he is now getting close to a return to the pitch in the coming weeks. Chelsea have been readying themselves for his departure but haven't yet given up hope of extending his deal.
As an elite midfielder when fit, Kante has attracted plenty of attention from those that know there is rarely a chance to sign such a player without a sizeable transfer fee. From Saudi Arabia to Paris Saint-Germain, Kante will have suitors come the summer. If he's not at Chelsea then Arsenal have long been linked with being his next home.
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The deadline day arrival of Kante's partner at Chelsea since 2018, Jorginho, may also help Mikel Arteta's attempts to sign the two-time Premier League winner. They will have far from a free-run for him though, with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo writing that Atletico Madrid themselves are interested.
Arsene Wenger has previously hailed Kante and his unique skillset and with Arsenal needing a new midfield despite Jorginho's addition they could turn to Kante as an option. His knee troubles have caused great issue for Chelsea since the Europa League final in 2019 and reoccurring hamstring injuries have seen him miss almost all of this season too.
There is still hope that Kante could yet return to his pomp though having been carefully managed during the most recent setback. Such is the optimism, it is said that Atletico have already made contact with Kante's representatives to sound out a deal. Chelsea meanwhile are growing in confidence that he will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this season, football.london understands.
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