Transfer News: Chelsea willing to sell key star for £54m to boost transfer kitty

Chelsea place a price tag on injured midfielder N’Golo Kante

According to Sport (h/ Express), Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is open to the idea of selling midfielder N’Golo Kante in the summer transfer window.

The Blues boss does not consider the World Cup-winning Frenchman as a key part of his plans and is open to moving him on.

Any potential suitor will have to pay around £54million to secure the 29-year-old’s services. The amount will greatly boost the club’s transfer kitty ahead of a busy summer.

Signed from Leicester City in 2016, the Frenchman has been a key part of the Chelsea squad. He has played under three different managers and has led the team to three major honours.

He notched up the trifecta of the PFA Player of the Year, FWA Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Year awards in his very first season at the Bridge.

Kante has had a season to forget this time around. Injuries have limited him to just 27 appearances, and has not featured since limping off against Watford earlier this month.

Arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world when fit, Kante has served the club with distinction. With his newfound injury troubles and age, it makes sense for the club to plan ahead.

Lampard has had to make do with Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho in Kante’s absence. The two have enjoyed mixed success but have shown that there is life after the Frenchman.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea will have to move fast if they want to sign Nathan Ake
• Frank Lampard issues Kepa Arrizabalaga a challenge
• Chelsea could add Ross Barkley in a deal for Declan Rice

He has also been ruled out of the clash against Liverpool as the Blues look to secure their grip on third spot.

The Blues have already made a significant investment in bringing in Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Havertz is a key summer transfer target but will cost us in the tune of around £90m. (h/t Express)