Interim Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has hailed N'Golo Kante as "one of the best midfield players in the world", with the 32-year-old out of contract at the end of the season.
Kante has struggled with injuries in recent years and he has been limited to just five appearances for the Blues so far this season. Arsenal have been linked with a move for the France international, with a member of the player's entourage telling French outlet Le Parisien that the Gunners have 'made an enquiry' about signing him.
However, they also stated that Kante would prefer to remain at Stamford Bridge. "N'Golo would like to continue his career in London, where he has his habits," they were quoted as saying.
"He liked working with Antonio Conte, but he has been sacked by Tottenham. Arsenal also made an enquiry… I think he will extend his deal at Chelsea before going to the Middle-East in two or three years."
And while Lampard was unable to offer an update on Kante's contract situation, he made it clear he would like to see him stay at Chelsea. "I'll stay away from that part [contract question], that's for the club and N'Golo to talk about," he said.
"Having worked with N'Golo before, he's an incredible player. He's one of the best I've been fortunate enough to work with. I know the positives of having him and the negatives of not because in my first season here we missed him for some big periods and when we had him, we felt the impact of him.
"As an individual, his impact is very clear. Off the back of a long-term injury, we have to manage him at the same time because when you have N'Golo fit, he's clearly one of the best midfield players in the world.
"I think you can see with these performances against Madrid and Liverpool last week, having just come back from injury, that he is not slowing down in that term. When he plays, he always offers massive output and massive quality. I'm very pleased to be working with him again."
And former Chelsea star Florent Malouda believes Kante's future at Stamford Bridge will come down to whether he can remain fit. "We know that when he is fit, everyone wants him in the team," Malouda told ICE 36.
"He is a popular player, one of the best in his position in the world when he is at his best. I think the club needs to find the right formula to help him with his fitness but he is a player that belongs to the history of Chelsea, so it would be difficult to see him somewhere else. I think Chelsea need this type of player to keep that winning mentality and spirit at the club and we clearly need leaders, which is why I would like him to stay.”
