Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast (h/t The Express), Ian McGarry believes Chelsea are ready to sell N’Golo Kante to fund a move for Declan Rice.
The Blues have enjoyed an excellent summer window that has seen them sign a number of first-team stars.
“Selling Kante, or at least getting him off the wage bill, would allow Lampard some scope and wiggle room on wages with regards to bringing in Declan Rice.”
The defence was a major concern for Frank Lampard last season. While the likes of Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell have been brought in, Chelsea are ready to bring in another player.
West Ham United value Rice at a massive £73m. Should the deal go through, it will make him the club’s second-biggest purchase.
The Blues had broken their record earlier this summer when they brought in Kai Havertz for a fee that could rise to £90m.
Given our extravagant summer, some players will have to make way to balance the books. In this case, Kante looks to be the man who will have to make way for Rice.
“N’Golo Kante, the French World Cup winner and someone who has been instrumental in Chelsea’s defensive and central midfield area, is absolutely on the market.”
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to reunite with Kante at Inter Milan. The Italian was the one in charge at the Bridge when Kante joined Chelsea in 2016. He arrived from then champions Leicester City in a deal worth £32million.
According to the report, the Italians have made a loan offer for the Frenchman but Chelsea would prefer to sell him on a permanent basis.
“We understand that there is a loan offer for him to go to Inter Milan. Chelsea would prefer to sell.”
Lampard plans to use Rice in a three-man defensive setup. With just 12 more days to go before the window closes, it remains to be seen if the Blues manage to get their man.
Signing Rice would cap off what has been a transfer window of dreams for Chelsea.
Despite the setback against Liverpool, the Blues have strength in numbers to make a dash for the top. Whether we can achieve that or not remains to be seen.
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