Manchester United are interested in signing N’Golo Kanté from Chelsea. Kanté’s contract expires next year and United, desperate to strengthen their midfield after underperforming last season, are keen to find out whether the France international could be sold this summer.
At the moment it seems unlikely Chelsea would be willing to sell. Kanté has been a crucial player for Thomas Tuchel and although there are concerns over the 31-year-old’s injury record he remains one of the best players in the Premier League when 100% fit. He was outstanding when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021 and the club’s new owners would have to think long and hard before deciding to sell to United.
Tuchel has made no secret of his desire to work with a fully fit Kanté. Equally the manager has hinted at frustration with the former Leicester player’s struggle to put a run of games together. “I think he is our key, key, key player; but key, key, key players need to be on the pitch,” Tuchel said this month. “He plays only 40% of the games. So it’s maybe a miracle that we arrived in third place.
“Because he is our Mo Salah, he is our [Virgil] van Dijk, he is our [Kevin] De Bruyne. He is our Neymar, he is our Kylian Mbappé; he is the guy who makes the difference. And if you only have him 40% it’s a huge problem.”
Kanté’s problems can be traced back to when he played through a knee injury and helped Chelsea beat Arsenal in the Europa League final three years ago. The game underlined his importance but his involvement has come at a cost.
Chelsea have often had to play without Kanté since and his contract situation means they could have a decision to make if United make a suitable offer. United are rebuilding under Erik ten Hag and Kanté, who has won the title with Chelsea and Leicester, would improve their midfield. Ten Hag is also interested in Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and West Ham’s Declan Rice, who is likely to be too expensive.
Chelsea are planning a rebuild and would like a commanding midfielder. However, it is expected that they would prefer to make space by selling Jorginho instead of Kanté. Jorginho also has a year left on his deal and he is wanted by Juventus.
Tuchel is expected to find space in midfield for Conor Gallagher after the youngster’s impressive loan at Crystal Palace. He too is interested in Rice. Chelsea have fallen behind Liverpool and Real Madrid in the race to sign Monaco’s Aurélien Tchouaméni.
