N’Golo Kante says he wants to be part of the ‘exciting’ new project at amid speculation linking him to and .
Kante’s current contract is set to expire in the summer and .
The French World Cup winner has been one of the most influential players at Chelsea since his move from Leicester City in 2016, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
Kante has been less influential this season – with injuries limiting him to just six Premier League starts – but Chelsea are keen to secure his services for at least one more campaign.
Chelsea will have a new manager come the start of the 2023-24 season – – and Kante is keen to play a part in the club’s new project.
Asked if he wanted to stay at Chelsea, Kante told : ‘For sure. It’s an exciting project for the club.
‘Unfortunately this season hasn’t been to Chelsea’s standards. But everyone wants to go in this way, the way of success and winning titles.
‘I hope this club will again fight in this direction. Let’s see where I will be but I hope that this is a change for the club, that is most important.’
Chelsea have sorely missed Kante for much of this season, slipping to 11th in the Premier League – closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots.
The Blues will hope Kante’s injury issues are behind him, with the player saying of his lay-off and rehabilitation: ‘It was the purpose of the surgery, to come back strong.
‘At the moment I feel good, hopefully it’ll carry on like this. For the last weeks I’ve been playing I’ve felt very good.
‘Hopefully I can carry on for the rest of the season and hopefully the most difficult part is behind me, and I’m able to forget it – enjoying football again and wins again. Hopefully more success [too].’
Kante and Chelsea, who won their first match under caretaker boss Frank Lampard last weekend, return to action on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.
, .
, and .
