Barcelona now in advanced talks to sign ‘extraordinary’ Arsenal target

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FC Barcelona are now reportedly in advanced talks to sign Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, who is believed to be a target for Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Sport, Xavi Hernandez’s side are working fast to secure a deal to sign the France international, with Kante’s contract set to expire at the end of this season as a move to Barcelona now looks very likely for the Chelsea star.

Foot Mercato previously reported that Arsenal were interested in signing Kante alongside Antonio Conte’s Tottenham. However, it now appears that Barcelona will win the race for the two-time Premier League champion in 2023.

As per Sport, though, a deal to bring Kante to Catalonia will only take place at the end of this season, with Barcelona not in a financial position to offer Chelsea a transfer fee for one of their key players in the January window, something Arsenal could have done in the coming weeks.

Lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by Emmanuel Petit, Kante is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and a player that every club in the world would love to have on their books. However, injuries have been a major issue for the 31-year-old this season.

The midfielder has made just two appearances in all competitions, and whilst there’s hope that Kante will be back to fitness soon, this long-term injury is perhaps a worrying sign that Arsenal are in the right to not go all in on trying to sign the Chelsea star in 2023.

Kante signing for Barcelona would be the best move for all parties

Kante will go down as one of the all-time great Premier League midfielders, with the Chelsea star changing the position forever and establishing himself as one of the best operators the division has seen in quite some time. And a move to Barcelona next year feels right for all parties involved.

After all, Kante’s injuries mean that a move to a slower league such as La Liga would be beneficial for the player himself, and for Barcelona, a superstar midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets is exactly what Xavi and the supporters will want to see come the start of the new season next year.