N’Golo Kante, a Chelsea midfielder, is allegedly resolved to sign a pre-contract with Barcelona in January.
The 31-year-contract old’s at Stamford Bridge is set to end in June, and he is largely anticipated to leave on a free transfer in pursuit of greener pastures.
Kante has only made three appearances for Chelsea this season, after suffering a hamstring operation in the middle of October to resolve a persistent ailment.
The Frenchman is unlikely to return to action before February, but his time with the Blues looks to be drawing to a close, with both sides eager to move on next year.
Kante is resolved to sign a pre-contract with Barcelona in January, according to Sport.
According to Sport, Kante is determined to sign a pre-contract at Barcelona in January, with the midfielder pressing the Catalan outfit to place a deal on the table.
According to the source, Barcelona has yet to make a definitive decision on the veteran midfielder, which might lead him to hunt for a new club abroad.
Juventus are also rumored to be interested in Kante, who apparently will not wait for Barcelona if it becomes evident that the Catalan club would not provide a contract.
Xavi, the club’s head coach, is said to prefer Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, although Kante is a cheaper alternative.
Jorginho, Kante’s colleague, is also out of contract next year and is thought to be a target, as is Youri Tielemans, who is about to enter the final six months of his deal with Leicester City.
Barcelona are still unclear whether Busquets will be signing a new deal at Camp Nou, with the former Spain captain weighing up a move to the MLS.
Even if Busquets remains, a new midfielder might arrive next year, as Franck Kessie may be on the move after struggling to settle since joining from AC Milan.
Kante joined Chelsea in 2016 after helping Leicester City win the Premier League title in 2015-16.
During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Kante has appeared in 262 games with the Blues, scoring 13 goals and assisting on 15 others.
