N’Golo Kante could leave Chelsea on a free next summer after turning down a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Talks have been ongoing between club and player for over 12 months but a turbulent period off the field in West London has made negotiations challenging.

According to The Athletic, the 31-year-old midfielder has been left disappointed by the length of the Blues' current proposal — two years with the option of a third if the club decide to trigger an extension.

Having seen new defensive recruit and fellow 31-year-old Kalidou Koulibaly offered a four-year deal, French international Kante believes a similar offer should be forthcoming for him.

Despite being an extremely popular figure at the club, Chelsea hold reservations over the ex-Leicester man’s injury record.

A thigh problem has kept him sidelined since mid-August this term, while he needed his minutes managed carefully in 2021-22 due to knee and hamstring issues.

That said, the diminutive destroyer remains one of the world’s best in his position and will attract no end of suitors if he does become available.

The report claims that two fellow Premier League teams, along with one side apiece from Spain, Germany and France, are ready to pounce should an agreement not be reached.

Kante has made 262 appearances for the Blues, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Club World Cup and European Super Cup.

He was also a key part of Didier Deschamps’ World Cup-winning Les Bleus side in 2018.

In other news

Manchester United intend to trigger one-year extensions for David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Fred and Marcus Rashford imminently, according to the Manchester Evening News.

German media suggest that Tottenham striker Harry Kane remains a top priority for Bayern Munich, with the England skipper said to be open-minded on a summer switch.

Spanish outlet Sport say Barcelona are close to agreeing a new contract with teenage midfielder Gavi that includes a £1billion release clause, designed to deter the likes of Liverpool.