Chelsea are reportedly edging closer to awarding N’Golo Kante a new five-year contract worth £290,000-a-week, that will effectively make him the club’s highest paid player.
For months, the Blues top hierarchy have been trying to convince Eden Hazard to pen a new deal that will make him Chelsea’s best-paid player and ultimately prevent him from joining Real Madrid next summer. The Belgian has been hesitant in committing to his future to the club and perhaps Chelsea now believe it is time to move to a more realistic and workable target for a contract negotiation.
The Evening Standard reports that the Blues are now getting ready to table an offer of £290,000-a-week to improve Kante’s current deal worth £150,000-a-week. The French star’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2021.
Kante now plays in an advanced role in Maurizio Sarri’s team. He joins Ross Barkley or Matteo Kovacic to control the attacking shape of the team while Jorginho injects stability in the midfield. Having to adjust did not reduce the influence Kante has in the Chelsea side, however, as he is one of the seven players to have started every league game this season.
Should he accept the new contract, it will feel like a new signing for Chelsea fans. Keeping Kante is a top priority for the club and with some uncertainty around the future of Cesc Fabregas and Kovacic, Sarri will welcome the commitment of one of his most trusted allies.
