Barcelona well-placed to sign Chelsea icon if he rejects new contract – English sources

According to Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, Barcelona are very well-placed to sign N’Golo Kante if he rejects the new contract proposal that Chelsea will table for him.

Kante is in the final six months of his contract and his future has become a topic of intense speculation. The 31-year-old has already rejected an offer from the Blues as he was dissatisfied with the terms being offered.

However, the Premier League giants intend to keep him beyond the season despite having concerns over his injury. They want to demonstrate to him that Kante remains a vital part of the team once he recovers from his fitness problems.

But, in case the two parties are unable to come to an agreement over a new deal, Kante would prefer to leave England, with Barcelona being well-placed to sign the 31-year-old Frenchman in such a scenario.

Kante has been out with an injury for a while now and is only expected to be back in action at the end of February.

Barcelona have shown serious interest in acquiring his services as a possible replacement for club captain Sergio Busquets, whose contract is also expiring at the end of the season.

Director Mateu Alemany is said to be ‘betting’ on the capture of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner even though manager Xavi prefers Martin Zubimendi and the club officials are leaning towards Ruben Neves.

There has been interest from Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr who want to make Kante the next marquee addition following the recent acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports indicate that they would be willing to offer the midfielder an ‘astronomical’ contract if he arrives as a free transfer in June. But, Kante would prefer to continue in Europe for a few more years and in case a new deal with Chelsea does not materialise, Barcelona could be his next destination.