Barcelona in contact with Chelsea veteran’s agent for several months – report

Speaking as part of the general assembly yesterday, Barcelona sporting director laid an emphasis on the ‘free’ business the club has conducted over the last two years.

“We have to focus on the market of free players more and more. This year we have done it with Kessie, Christensen, Marcos Alonso and Bellerin, and there are many more to come”, he said.

Signing quality players on Bosman moves has made it easier for the club to plug the leaking financial hole while maintaining a competitive squad.

As such, it is not surprising that the Blaugranes have been keeping tabs on the free agency for a while. One of the players they have been in contact with, and could sign next summer is Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.

According to SPORT, Barcelona have been in touch with Kante’s agent and entourage for a few months now. The player, set to become a free agent in July 2023, is free to negotiate with any club starting January, as per the rule set by FIFA.

This is barely the first time Kante has been rumoured with a move to Barça, but it is a bit surprising given the sheer number of midfielders in the squad at present.

Currently, there are only two spots fixed in central midfield – occupied by Sergio Busquets at defensive midfield and Pedri as an 8. Gavi leads the race for that last spot, but Frenkie de Jong is in close contention as well.

Further, Barcelona also signed Franck Kessie in the summer of this year. The Ivorian, a ball-winner and box-to-box midfielder like Kante, is six years younger than the Frenchman.

He is yet to find a place in Xavi’s setup, though. After eight games this season in the league, the 25-year-old has started just two, playing a total of just eight.

Kante, too, has started just two games this season, but his concerns are related more to his fitness than anything else.

All said and done, it is yet to be seen how, when, and most importantly, if Barcelona acquire the World Cup winner in 2023.