Popular Journo claims there is a serious chance Chelsea star could leave for free next summer

Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea star N’Golo Kante could leave for free next summer

Writing in his Caught Offside column as quoted by Football. London, popular Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea star N’Golo Kante could leave the club for free next summer with Barcelona mentioned as an interested party.

Kante joined Chelsea from Leicester City on the back of the Foxes’ title-winning campaign and has gone on to establish himself as a Blues legend ever since. The Frenchman has put in so many memorable performances for the Blues but it looks like the time is coming to an end.

The French midfielder has really struggled with injuries in the last campaign and a half and has been on the treatment table for much of the current campaign. He seemed like he would make a return from injury but suffered a relapse and is out for a much longer time.

The 31-year-old is also expected to miss the World Cup for his nation in Qatar next month and it is a sad state to see such a glorious footballer in. However, considering his explosive playstyle, it does not come as a surprise that Kante is suffering so many injuries.

With his contract set to expire come the summer, it is still not clear if the Blues are actually looking to renew the Frenchman’s contract. We still don’t know if Kante can make a successful return from injury and return anywhere close to the player he once used to be.

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed in his column that there is a high chance that Chelsea decide not to renew the Frenchman.

“He’s happy in London but negotiations with Chelsea are not easy, so he has serious chances to leave on a free transfer. Barcelona are always informed about potential free agents, Kante included; but it’s not an advanced negotiation yet.”

Regardless of what happens with Kante in the future, his status as a Chelsea legend would never be in question. The smiling assassin has mesmerised us all with his performances and let’s hope that he can continue to do so if he indeed stays here.

No one will be able to forget Kante’s memorable run in the Champions League in the semi-finals and finals as Chelsea beat Manchester City to get their hands on the biggest European competition in Thomas Tuchel’s first season in charge as Kante was instrumental to the Blues’ success.

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Chelsea will be hoping that Kante can make a return from injury when club football returns after the international break. He can still have a pivotal role to play this season, irrespective of what happens in his future.