Why Chelsea could bag themselves a coup by completing this £200,000-a-week deal

Why are Chelsea doing the right thing by offering a new deal to N’Golo Kante

When a team is devoid of its engine, the paint starts to peel off. In this case, N’Golo Kante is one player who probably does the work of two and his time in the Premier League has seen him rise as one of the best central midfielders in the world.

Kante is unassuming. Diminutive and not commanding, he manages to find the spaces that matter and quells any danger within seconds of identifying it. Such characteristics are rare in the modern game. Kante knows he’s a player in high demand and with Chelsea not playing the Champions League, he could move elsewhere.

But, Chelsea are looking to extend the contract and make him one of their highest earners by offering £200,000-a-week. The move makes complete sense from Chelsea’s point of view and here’s why:

He’s the best in the world

Kante is probably the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. Not paying him what he’s actually worth could end up biting them later and they need to go all out to extend his stay.

Kante’s numbers prove that he is worth it. In two years, he’s played 35 and 34 games respectively, out of Chelsea’s 76 Premier League games, meaning he is one of their most important players at the moment. He averages 3.2 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game and is one player who covers all the ground in a game.

His best years are ahead of him

Kante has three years left in his deal but Chelsea want to tie him down to a five-year deal. He is still only 27, which means he is entering his prime years as a footballer. If Chelsea can have him at his fittest best for the next five years, they have every chance to go out and mount another title charge.

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Kante’s performances at the World Cup prove that he can deliver at any stage, at any time and is a vital cog for the team he plays in. He’s still got the ability to bomb ahead on occasion and score the odd goal or contribute to the attacks, so he’s a well-rounded midfielder as well.

Conte’s departure from the club might have some repercussions on whether the midfielder stays or not but they do not lack the funds to keep a star such as him on the books.