Pochettino favourite emphasises desire to stay at Chelsea despite Arsenal links – ‘Exciting project’

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17 June 2024, 17:14 yayınlandı

N’Golo Kante has emphasised his desire to stay at Chelsea with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

The French international has been outstanding for the Blues since he made the move from Premier League rivals Leicester City in 2016.

He has helped the Londoners win the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and a Premier League title during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Injuries have seriously hindered his ability to contribute for Chelsea in recent seasons though.

Kante suffered a hamstring injury against London rivals Tottenham last August and did not return to action until April.

He underwent surgery in October and missed France’s World Cup campaign as a result.

The 32-year-old is yet to suffer a setback (no jinx intended) since returning to the starting XI and he has said he feels “very good” at this moment in time.

“It was the purpose of the surgery, to come back strong,” Kante told Sky Sports.

“At the moment I feel good, hopefully it’ll carry on like this. For the last few weeks I’ve been playing I’ve felt very good.

“I hope I will carry on for the rest of the season and hopefully the most difficult part is behind me, and I’m able to forget it – enjoying football again, enjoying wins again. and enjoying hopefully more success.”

Chelsea and Kante have been locked in contract negotiations for quite some time with the midfielder’s current deal running out next month.

The club were reportedly reluctant to give in to his wage demands given his torrid injury record, though he has always been eager to stay in west London.

Rumours of a move elsewhere have naturally materialised, .

When asked if he wants to be a part of the club’s new era, he replied: “Yeah for sure.

“It’s an exciting project for the club. Unfortunately the season has not been a standout for Chelsea. I’m sure everyone wants to go this way; the way of success, the way of winning titles. I hope this club will fight again in this direction.

“Let’s see where I will be but I hope that this is a change for the club, that is most important.”

Chelsea have endured a woeful campaign and are set to finish inside the bottom half of the Premier League.

This comes after Todd Boehly bought the club last year and sacked Thomas Tuchel last September, replacing him with Graham Potter, who was relieved of his duties in April.

Ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to become Potter’s long-term successor with in interim charge until the end of the campaign.

A recent report from The Telegraph stated that , which has helped in contract negotiations with the former Leicester star.