French midfielder N’Golo Kante reluctant to accept new Chelsea terms

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is reluctant to accept the club’s latest contract offer, according to the Evening Standard.

The Blues have offered the France international a two-year deal with an option for an extra year.

Kante wants three years with the option of a further year.

The 31-year-old is out of contract this summer and has been linked with several clubs.

Injuries have disrupted Kante’s season, and he has featured in just two games.

He was substituted off against Tottenham with a hamstring knock in the second game of the campaign in August.

The Chelsea star spent over six weeks on the sidelines before returning to training.

Unfortunately, Kante sustained another injury and had to undergo surgery on his hamstring.

He missed the World Cup in November but has recently returned to individual training.

Kante was ever-present in Chelsea’s midfield during his first three seasons at Stamford Bridge.

However, the following three seasons saw him start and play fewer games due to injuries.

The Blues appear worried about his fitness going forward. As a result, they are only willing to hand him a two-year deal for now.

His availability during those two seasons will then determine whether the extra year gets activated.

However, Kante is not keen on the structure of the contract.

Chelsea will not want to lose Kante on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Both parties will hope to reach an agreement, and that must happen quickly.

Kante is yet to play under manager Graham Potter, and the Englishman will be eager to have him back.

The west London club lost Jorginho to Arsenal last month and cannot afford another top midfielder to exit for free this summer.