Tottenham have emerged as a potential suitor for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante in the next couple of transfer windows – a player Antonio Conte worked with at Chelsea, once saying he is “amazing with and without the ball”.
Kante, 31, was signed by Conte when the Italian arrived at Chelsea in 2016. Joining after winning the Premier League with Leicester, he has since won the Premier League again – as well as the Champions League and the World Cup.
The 53-time France international has clocked up a massive 262 appearances in the last six years. But this season, Kante has struggled with injury – playing just twice this season due to muscle issues. He is out of contract in June 2023.
It means non-English sides can approach him on a pre-contract arrangement from January 1. English clubs can of course, buy him and Chelsea may cash in for a cheap price. But from May 30, they can also arrange a pre-contract.
Foot Mercato say that Kante is under the impression that he will not be given a new deal by Chelsea. However, he wants to remain in London – with both Tottenham and Arsenal suitors. Conte is a big fan, praising him in 2020.
“In my opinion, he can play in every position in midfield. We are talking about an amazing player, a top player,” Conte told Sky Sports, as per The Standard. “He is amazing with and without the ball.
“When you have N’Golo in your team, you can think you are playing with one player more. You can find a smile on his face every day. He is a very positive guy. He is one of the best players I have had in my career as a coach.”
Tottenham a potential suitor for Kante: Conte said he is amazing
What a signing, if Tottenham managed to convince Kante to join Spurs. The London side do have numerous options in midfield. Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma have joined this year – while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is absolutely crucial.
Oliver Skipp remains, while Harry Winks has gone on loan to Serie A side Sampdoria. So, Spurs are well-stocked. But a Kante is an opportunity, if there is a chance, is someone that should not be passed up on. He would suit Conte’s Spurs.
Indeed, Conte is preferring a 3-4-3 system in which Hojbjerg and Bentancur have to work incredibly hard. Kante’s incredible stamina allows him to almost play like two players. He would be perfect for Tottenham’s system.
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