N’Golo Kante has told Chelsea why he has rejected a fresh contract offer that was tabled in August to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The 31-year-old is out of contract next summer and conversations have taken place over prolonging his time at Chelsea after his 2016 arrival.
Kante is currently out injured for several weeks with a hamstring injury, something that is wanted to be factored into negotiations over his new deal.
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Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked last week after 19 months and replaced by Graham Potter, outlined that Kante would need to be mindful of his injury problems during discussions.
Tuchel said last month: “You cannot (ignore his injury record).
"You have to consider everything that is on the table and on the table is his potential, on the table is his influence, and his quality.
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"But also on the table, of course, is his age, his salary and his injury rate.
"From there you build a whole picture and try to find a solution."
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But it has now been revealed by David Ornstein of The Athletic, that an offer has already been made to the France international but it hasn’t met Kante’s demands.
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The new owners offered the midfielder a two-year deal, with the option of a further year. However, he is claimed to be, presently, unwilling to accept this offer and wants a longer deal.
This comes after, as per the report, Chelsea’s former ownership regime offered him a four-year contract - three-year deal with option of further 12 months - prior to negotiations pausing following the sanctions placed on the football club.
Kante is believed to be very happy at Chelsea and was ready to stay at the club until the end of his career. However, unless a compromise is reached, Kante is able to leave Stamford Bridge next summer on a free transfer at the end of his current deal.
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He isn’t the only player out of contract, Jorginho’s current deal is also set to expire at the end of the season.
Deals are in the works for Mason Mount and Edouard Mendy after Reece James and Armando Broja were recently given fresh long-term contracts to commit their futures to Chelsea.
With Kante being an integral part to the side since his arrival, Chelsea will need to make a decision as to how much they want to keep hold of him.
He won't be short of offers and a decision will need to be made sooner rather than later to avoid speculation over his future in the coming months heading into the latter stages of the season.
Topics: NGolo Kante, Chelsea, Football
Matthew Debono