BARCELONA are considering a move for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, according to reports.
The Catalan giants are set to be in the market for a midfielder next summer, when Sergio Busquets leaves.
The legendary Spaniard has outlined his intention to depart his boyhood club upon the conclusion of his deal.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Kante is Barca’s No1 target to replace Busquets.
The Frenchman has played just twice for Chelsea this season, having suffered a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August.
He briefly returned to training earlier this month, before suffering a devastating setback that will rule him out of the World Cup.
Kante, 31, is set to be out for four months – further complicating his contract situation at Stamford Bridge.
The 2018 World Cup winner’s current contract expires at the end of this season – and he wants a three-year deal with an option for a fourth to renew.
Chelsea are reluctant to offer him that length of deal, given his injury woes.
Kante is reportedly willing to join Tottenham or Arsenal if he doesn’t get the deal he covets in West London.
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But he could also move to Spain.
In their hunt to replace Busquets, Barca have been linked with Ajax star Edson Alvarez.
Although they will have to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature.
On Kante’s latest injury setback, Blues boss Graham Potter said: “Again heâs due to see a consultant at the weekend. Itâs a setback so itâs not good news. But anything other than that, at this stage I canât give you any more.
“Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that.
“Itâs a setback in the last stage of his rehab so again thatâs worrying. But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation and then try help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”
