Arsenal are considering a shock move for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.

The Frenchman has been one of the stars of the Blues engine room since joining in 2016 but has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

The tireless 31-year-old was blighted by injuries last term as he made just 21 Premier League starts, but remains one of the club’s top earners.

That means the West Londoners could be tempted to cash in and the Daily Star say London rivals Arsenal are waiting in the wings should that happen.

Boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add world-class quality in defensive midfield this summer and there are not many better in that role than World Cup, Premier League and Champions League winner Kante.

Kante is currently absent from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA with vaccination rules denying him entry into the country.

Despite a disrupted 2021-22 campaign, Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of his No7 and it remains to be seen whether he would let him leave for a direct rival.

Manchester United are also said to be keeping tabs on the Paris native’s situation, though Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains boss Erik ten Hag’s priority.

The Red Devils, like Arsenal, are also keen on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez meaning an approach for Kante will likely be put on the back burners.

In other news

Chelsea have been informed of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano’s availability if Matthijs de Ligt joins the Bundesliga champions, report 90Min.

The Athletic say Brighton are in talks over an improved contract for left-back Marc Cucurella to fend off interest from Manchester City.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Sevilla left-back Ludwig Augustinsson on loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.