N’Golo Kante could be joining Barcelona at the end of the season with Chelsea’s latest offer being ignored.
Reports suggest that the France midfielder will replace Sergio Busquets in the heart of the Barca midfield. The Spaniards, who beat Chelsea to the signings of Jules Kounde and Raphina, are keen to give Kante what he wants in the summer.
Chelsea will not budge on a two-year offer with the 31-year-old determined for a three-year contract.
The France international has less than 12 months left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Despite his poor injury record over the past couple of years, Chelsea are still thought to be keen to tie Kante down to a new deal, but talks are currently at a standstill.
It could be Barcelona’s gain with Busquets widely expected to depart upon the expiration of his contract.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter was recently questioned on Kante’s contract situation, but he insisted that now was not the time to discuss the Frenchman’s future as he prepares for a few months of recovery.
“The most important thing for us and for me is that we help him get fit. That’s the focus,” Potter told reporters prior to the draw with Manchester United.
“He’s got a long road ahead of him so we have to make sure that we get him the right treatment, we help him get back fit and strong, and once he’s enjoying his football we can think about those things then.”