Florent Malouda, a former Chelsea star, has urged the club to secure N’Golo Kante’s services on a new long-term contract amid ongoing speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future. Kante, who is out of contract in the summer, has been reduced to a bit-part role this season due to injuries, limiting the two-time Premier League winner to just five appearances in all competitions. His prolonged absence was cited as a major reason behind the downfall of recently axed former manager Graham Potter, who was able to select the former Leicester City star on just one occasion during his torrid seven-month reign.
Kante is a free agent in the summer and although the indication is that he is on the verge of signing a new deal, the France international retains a number of suitors including Arsenal who are reported to have made an enquiry. With Chelsea’s dressing room lacking in the leadership department, however, Malouda believes it is imperative that his compatriot is retained whoever ends up taking over permanently from Potter.
Malouda believes that Kante and Mason Mount are part of the DNA of the club, having been there for a long time and have been very successful. He believes that Mount, who is from the academy and loves the club, will not be a big deal for the club even though he has two years left on his contract because the main thing for the club will be the players’ performance level and he always gives everything in a Chelsea shirt. He cited the example of Mbappe, who was out of contract at PSG last summer and renewed his contract. If you want to stay somewhere, financially it is not an issue, it is more about the project and your role within that.
Kante stepped up his comeback last night, playing 75 minutes as Chelsea laboured to a 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final. Interim manager Frank Lampard was asked if Chelsea could turn the tie around next week at Stamford Bridge, to which he replied that if you don’t believe at the top level of sport, things will not go your way. He added that the mindset and belief are a percentage of the game and that the fans will come and support them. He also said that they are realistic and that they are 2-0 down against Real Madrid, but he has been involved in games that change. They are in a different place now and maybe that’s a good thing. They want to prove things wrong, change the tone, change the story. They went tonight with ten-men against Real Madrid, it’s a difficult night for the lads.
In conclusion, Malouda’s call for Chelsea to secure Kante’s services on a new long-term contract is a wise one. Kante is a vital player for Chelsea, and his presence in the dressing room is essential for the club’s success. With his contract set to expire in the summer, it is imperative that Chelsea secures his services as soon as possible.