According to the reports from the Sun, Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid had taken an interest in signing Chelsea’s midfielder N’golo Kante. However, the French World Cup winner recently went on to indicate that he could finish his career with the Blues.
Kante on his future
Kante recently talked about his future amidst Real Madrid speculations and said, ”Of course (I could finish my career at Chelsea), today I am with Chelsea until 2023. So, in my head, I hope to continue to have great seasons with Chelsea until 2023.”
The midfielder hasn’t explicitly ruled out a future move, but he seems committed to the Pensioners at the moment. This would be a blow for Real Madrid if they were really keen on the 28-year-old midfielder. The Los Blancos currently have Brazilian international Casemiro who plays in the defensive midfield role.
Luka Modric has been a big disappointment this year as the Croatian has looked below par in midfield. Therefore it is understandable why Zidane could be keen to add more steel in the middle. Kante is versatile enough to play as a defensive midfielder and as a box to box midfielder.
What should Zidane do?
Maurizio Sarri and Frank Lampard have tried to exploit his intense energy by deploying him in a more box to box role rather than just to sit back deep and sweep up the opposition’s attacks. There has been some debate over which position would suit the Frenchman well, but it is clear that Kante will be willing to do any job for his team.
At Real Madrid, he can either play in the Casemiro’s role or play in a more box to box role alongside someone like Toni Kroos. Kante is not just a midfield disruptor as he can carry the ball well from midfield. He has also managed to get on the scoresheet for Chelsea of late as he is willing to make runs into the box.
Kante would have brought a lot more intensity, energy and physicality to Madrid’s midfield. There have been occasions when their midfield has been overpowered in the last year, and a player like Kante would have been a significant addition given his capabilities. However, Chelsea have him on a long term contract, and Kante also indicated that he could very well stay at the Stamford Bridge for an extended period. Nevertheless, Madrid should test the London side’s resolve by putting in a sizeable offer for the French midfielder.
