3 players who could replace N’Golo Kante at Chelsea
By Kian Long
N’Golo Kante is seemingly running down his Chelsea contract. Here are 3 players the Blues could bring in to replace him.
At one point, N’Golo Kante was widely accepted as one of the best midfielders in the world. Having been the cult hero to lead Leicester City to winning the Premier League trophy, he did the same in the following season under Antonio Conte at Chelsea.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Kante is a top priority transfer for Barcelona, as the Cules hope to replace the departing Sergio Busquets. With not long left on his Chelsea contract, the Blues must think quick about the right way to approach replacing him.
1. Declan Rice (West Ham)
For me, this is the most obvious choice.
Declan Rice is the most sought-after defensive midfielder in the Premier League right now. Ageing at just 23 years old, Rice is playing like the most senior player in West Ham’s ranks.
The Englishman has until next summer on his contract. This will help the Blues as it’ll prevent his price tag from exacerbating too much following the World Cup. However, he is bound to have the English tax included in his final valuation, not to mention how much he is personally worth to West Ham.
Rice is very much in the same mould as Kante. He can win back the ball with ease using his work off the ball. He is very physical in nature but this doesn’t take away from his technical abilities as he is often found playing difficult balls. Whether those passes being in tight pockets of space or long passes out wide to switch the play, Rice will come up with the goods.
He will undoubtedly be the priciest option in this list but it’s a price the Blues will have to pay. You know how the old saying goes; if something is broke, put it in Rice.