Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante does not want to leave Stamford Bridge next summer, according to reports.
The France international is available on a free transfer in 2023 when his contract at the London club expires.
Negotiations have reportedly stalled between Kante and the West Londoners over the length of a potential extension for the player.
The 31-year-old wants a three to four year contract similar to the one given to new signing Kalidou Koulibaly over the summer.
But, wary of his injury record in recent years, Chelsea only want to commit to a two-year deal. Kante is happy living in London and has even been offered to Arsenal and Tottenham by his representatives, according to reports.
But according to French outlet Le10 Sport, his preference would be to stay at the club. The midfielder has not played any game since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on August 14.
However, he is nearing a return to action, but Chelsea manager Graham Potter is eager not to rush him into the team.
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Ahead of last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Wolves, the 47-year-old said: “He’s doing more and more integration with the team. He’s still not ready for the weekend but getting closer.
“It is what it is, there’s nothing we can do, the injury happened and now it’s about trying to get him back fit and getting him as ready as we can so he can play for a sustained period.
“He’s been in and out with injuries over a period of time so we have to make sure that when he’s back he’s back for good and strong and enjoying his football.
“So there’s no frustration from my perspective, it’s just something we have to deal with.”
