N’Golo Kante signing is vital for Chelsea’s success
Chelsea are reportedly acting fast as they look to bring Leicester City hero N’Golo Kante to Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman could hold the key to the Blues’ fortunes.
In news that will get the tongues of Chelsea fans wagging, the Blues have reportedly opened talks with N’Golo Kante. The Leicester City midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit this summer and Chelsea appear to be closing in on an agreement.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have stepped up their game amidst interest from deep-pocketed clubs in China.
"Chelsea have moved swiftly to open talks over signing midfielder N’Golo Kante…they made need to pay more than £20m because Kante’s [release] clause still allows Leicester to sell to the highest bidder and they have already received a £35m offer from Chinese club Shanghai SIPG."
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N’Golo Kante was simply sensational for Claudio Ranieri’s team last season as they did the impossible and lifted the Premier League trophy. However, he has apparently turned down a lucrative contract offer from the Foxes in an attempt to test the waters.
Inevitably, a range of clubs have been interested in the midfielder that many named their player of the year. Chelsea are one of the outfits acting on their interest.
Antonio Conte started at Cobham on Monday and will undoubtedly be hard at work, shaping his squad for the upcoming campaign. A concerted effort to capture Kante is key to Chelsea’s success going forward.
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The Frenchman was consistently outstanding throughout the 2015/16 season, covering seemingly every blade of grass at every ground. He then carried this form through to Euro 2016, where he proved that it was no fluke. Didier Deschamps, though, was not overly impressed for some reason, failing to reinstate him after his one-game suspension.
Nevertheless, it is evident that N’Golo Kante is truly a world-class player. Nemanja Matic showed last year that Cesc Fabregas requires someone firing on all cylinders alongside him. His neglect of defensive duties and questionable positional play leaves his partner pulling double duty. Matic was unable to replicate his 2014/15 form and Chelsea suffered significantly.
The addition of Kante would bring in a midfielder who shoulders defensive responsibilities for multiple players as a given. He would be the perfect foil for Fabregas if the Spaniard continues in a deep role.
Meanwhile, in any of Conte’s different formations, there is always space (and often a need) for a Kante. His unmistakable work-rate and talent will allow those around him to focus on what they do best.
There is arguably no-one in world football that is better at what he does at the moment.
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If The Telegraph’s sources are credible, Chelsea are desperate to not let this one slip. They are absolutely right in their urgency.