Chelsea star N'golo Kante's future in west London remains significantly up in the air as the 31-year-old recovers from a long-term hamstring injury. Kante is yet to feature under new manager Graham Potter after picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the second week of the season.
After suffering the initial problem on August 14, Chelsea confirmed nearly two months later that Kante had undergone surgery on his hamstring and would be side lined for four months. Due to the long-term rehabilitation needed, Kante has missed the World Cup with France and could be set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season with his contract up in the summer of 2023.
Jorginho will also see his Blues deal expire at the same time with Chelsea likely preparing huge transfer moves, particularly in midfield for the following two windows as Todd Boehly seeks to revamp the Blues squad with several big-money acquisitions.
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A number of midfielders have been locked in the crosshairs as potential midfield replacements for Kante and Jorginho with the Blues urged to make a move for Brighton star Moises Caicedo after Potter was the one who brought him to Amex stadium.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and West Ham captain Declan Rice have both been linked with a move to Chelsea with the latter offering a significant update on his immediate future with the Hammers looking likely to sell their star asset in the summer with his contract up the following year.
Despite not seeing him feature as of yet, Potter has already expressed his worries over Kante's fitness with the 31-year-old missing large chunks of the last few seasons. "Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern, and we need to get the bottom of that," Potter said back in October.
"It's a setback in the last stage of his rehab, so again that's worrying. But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation and then try and help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football."
The Chelsea boss clearly has some concern over the availability of Kante which unfortunately seems to decrease each season after nearly six trophy-laden years at Chelsea and with his deal expiring in six months time, Potter, despite only being at the club for a few months himself, holds the key to the future of Kante.
“Where Kante could go, it’s still too early to say,” Fabrizio Romano said in his exclusive CaughtOffside column. “He doesn’t seem likely to stay because there’s still no agreement.
“Kante loves Chelsea and he’d love to stay but the club is going in different direction with salaries/young players project.
"Chelsea are following many young and talented midfielders to be ready in 2023, January or summer. Only Graham Potter can change the situation.”
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