Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has hinted that he intends to stay at Stamford Bridge for at least another season, despite Erik ten Hag wanting to make the World Cup winner his first signing at Manchester United.
Kante has been one of the Blues’ best players ever since moving to Stamford Bridge from the King Power Stadium in 2016, helping them to win the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his six years in the capital.
There is concerns over what squad Thomas Tuchel will have at his disposal for the 2022/23 season with owner Roman Abramovich still in the process of selling the club to a consortium led by Todd Boehly.
The financial situation Chelsea have been in this term has halted them from being able to negotiate lucrative deals when it comes to extending player contracts this term. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will both be departing on free transfers this term, while Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho and Romelu Lukaku have also been linked with potential summer moves.
Given the financial situation, there has been concern by supporters over how much of the current squad will still be at the club next season. However, Kante has hinted that this current term will not be his last at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on his future, Kante told Sky Sports: "The only thing is sure that I have one more year and the only thing is to finish this season. I’ll think about it in the right time.”
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Kante's comments come at a time when United are monitoring the midfielder. Mirror Football understands Ten Hag is keen for Kante to kick-start his United overhaul, with the Reds desperate for midfielders.
It's possible the Blues star could follow the likes of Rudiger and Christensen, who have already sealed moves elsewhere, out the door. Since his arrival in London, Kante has played in 181 of Chelsea’s 214 league matches, scoring 11 league goals in that time.
Kante is in contention to play for Chelsea on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge against former side Leicester City. The Foxes signed him in 2015, whose form helped Leicester win the league title during his only campaign in the East Midlands.
Speaking ahead of the game, Blues boss Tuchel admits that Chelsea have a big job on their hands this summer when entering the transfer market. “We are not improving the squad, we are rebuilding the squad,” the German said.
“That is always challenging. But we are up for the challenge. What I can promise – if I can promise – that I will be here with positive energy.”
Chelsea are set to finish in third place in the Premier League season, behind Manchester City and Liverpool, who are still vying for the title ahead of the final day of the season on Sunday afternoon.
Tuchel’s side still have two games to play in the Premier League this term. They host Leicester on Thursday night before taking on Watford on the final day of the season at Stamford Bridge.
