Erik ten Hag wants Man United make a summer move for Chelsea superstar

Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to secure the transfer of Chelsea superstar N’Golo Kante

According to the Mirror, incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to make Chelsea star N’Golo Kante his first signing this summer. He believes the Frenchman would be able to play a pivotal role in the Red Devils’ midfield next season. 

Kante has proven to be a sensational player for the Blues in the last few campaigns. Being a hardworking and committed player, the Frenchman has proven a crucial asset for Chelsea’s midfield. He remains the pivotal player in Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, having played 40 matches across all competitions in this term.

Manchester United recently announced Erik ten Hag as their new manager for next season. Considering the current state of the Red Devils’ roster, the Dutchman has a lot of work to do to rekindle the flame in the Manchester giants.

It is believed that Erik ten Hag has asked Manchester United to sign Kante in the summer transfer window as he believes there is still quality left in the veteran to offer. Bringing in a player of the 31-year-old’s quality could prove to be a game-changer.

Man United have been targeting many midfielders lately, including Monaco youngster Aurelien Tchouameni, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and West Ham’s England international Declan Rice. However, there is considerable uncertainty in these pursuits. 

Man United believe ThomasTuchel would be happy to make some significant changes once he receives sizable financial backing from the new Chelsea owners. Hence, he might consider getting rid of 31-year-old Kante in the summer.

Would Chelsea sell Kante?

Kante’s contributions to the Chelsea team have been staggering in the last few years. Starting with helping the team win the Premier League title in his first season at the club, he has lifted some of the biggest titles in club football with the Blues contingent. 

Kante wasn’t his best self in this campaign. He has looked tired in some crucial matches, including the game against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, where his mistakes proved decisive.

He was brought on in the second half of the FA Cup final yesterday but couldn’t make any significant difference. Considering his growing age, the Frenchman might be getting rusty.

More Chelsea news

• “A miracle”- Thomas Tuchel agrees with Guardiola regarding populist Liverpool comment
• “Perfect fit”: Todd Boehly visits Chelsea squads as takeover nears completion
• Chelsea make an offer for 33-year-old Serie A ace who looks set to enter the Bosman market

Considering Kante has only one year left in his contract, selling him for a significant price to Manchester United wouldn’t be the worst idea as it would help the club avoid losing him for free once his deal ends.   

Chelsea doesn’t have a lot of quality backup options at this moment for Kante. Saul is probably returning to Atletico Madrid at the end of the season. At the same time, the future of Jorginho and Ross Barkley remains up in the air. Hence, the Blues would require a couple of reinforcements if Kante leaves.