Chelsea 'have no intention of extending N'Golo Kante's contract'

Chelsea are reportedly not planning to extend N'Golo Kante's contract at Stamford Bridge, with the experienced midfielder set to become available on a free transfer next year.

The 31-year-old moved to the Blues in July 2016 off the back of winning the Premier League title with Leicester City, and he has been a vital player for the capital giants, featuring on 262 occasions in all competitions.

Kante has been restricted to just two outings this term, though, with a muscular problem keeping him on the sidelines since the middle of August.

The France international's existing deal at Chelsea is due to expire next June, and a recent report claimed that discussions between the two parties over an extension had stalled.

According to Foot Mercato, the Blues have made the decision not to continue the talks, with Kante set to become available for nothing at the end of the season.

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The report claims that the midfielder has accepted that he does not have a future at Chelsea and has signalled for his agents to start looking at new opportunities for next season.

Kante is allegedly keen to remain in London, which has attracted the attention of both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, but Paris Saint-Germain are not thought to be in the mix for his signature.

The Frenchman has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during a successful period with the Blues.

Chelsea allegedly believe that it would not make sense to hand Kante a lucrative extension considering his injury problems, which also restricted him to 26 Premier League appearances last term.

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Manchester United were also credited with an interest in Kante over the summer, while Real Madrid have previously been linked with the Frenchman.

Chelsea boosted their midfield options with the loan signing of Denis Zakaria on transfer deadline day, but the 25-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Graham Potter's side.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Jorginho, with the Italy international's contract at Stamford Bridge also due to expire next June.

Chelsea were believed to be keen to make a big-money midfield signing during the recent window, with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong strongly linked with a switch to the club.

Kante was again absent from the matchday squad against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night and is also expected to miss out against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday.