Arsenal have made contact with N’Golo Kante about a potential move across London next season according to reports.
The talented midfielder, who has played in west London since his summer 2016 move from Premier League-winning Leicester, is currently in talks with his club about renewing his contract – which is set to expire at the end of the season – but there has been no decision made yet about his future next season.
Amidst the uncertainty, a number of high-profile rivals such as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have shown an interest in the 32-year-old who, when fit and firing, would be unbelievable catch as a free agent.
Kante has recently returned to action for the Blues after an extended spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Due to the longstanding injury and Chelsea’s internal tumult, the midfielder has the unexpected distinction of playing his last four matches under four different managers – Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, and Frank Lampard.
N’Golo Kante’s contract with Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the season
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is interested in a bid to lure the midfielder to north London
According to Le Parisien, Chelsea’s north London rivals have been interested in Kante since January.
During that window, they plumped for the Frenchman’s team-mate in the midfield, Jorginho, swooping for the Italy international in a £12million move partially impacted by Kante’s lack of fitness at the time.
Kante – who was a lynchpin in France’s 2018 World Cup-winning side and has seen Chelsea to triumphs in, amongst other tournaments, the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League – is said to be open to a move to Arsenal due to his wish to say in London.
But the most likely outcome involves the club extending his spell at Chelsea for the third time.
A source close to the player told the French outlet: ‘N’Golo would like to continue his career in London, where he has his habits.
‘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.’
The World Cup winner featured against Real Madrid after returning to action last week
Sportsmail reported at the end of last month that talks were progressing positively between Kante and his club, and confirming the continuation of his spell would provide Lampard’s side with a major boost.
Upon his return from injury last week to face Liverpool, the quality and energy displayed by the midfielder made it feel implausible that the midfielder had been out since August.
But Kante was unable to prove the difference after starting at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening, as Chelsea lost 2-0 to champions Real Madrid in their first Champions League semi-final.
The sides will meet at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, where Lampard’s team have everything to do to cling onto their last hope of silverware this season.
