Frank Lampard admits he is unsure about N’Golo Kante’s contract negotiations, Thiago Silva considers a return to Brazil, and Edouard Mendy could leave this summer.
Lampard has signed a contract with Kante.
How Chelsea can beat Nottingham Forest with 4 undroppables as Silva out and $77m star benched
Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard is unsure whether N’Golo Kante will sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge but believes he is still a ‘big asset’ to the club.
Kante’s contract in West London expires this summer, although talks to prolong his stay are going well. The 32-year-old has missed much of the season due to injury, but he returned in April and has started seven of the last nine games in all competitions.
Kante intimated earlier this week in an interview with Sky Sports that he would like to continue at Chelsea beyond this season and, according to the Daily Mail, is willing to reject interest from Arsenal and Barcelona to do so. Despite a significantly below-par season, the Blues will be without European football next season.
Thiago Silva, a Chelsea defender, is allegedly eager to return to Brazil this summer.
Silva only signed a 12-month contract extension at Stamford Bridge in February, but according to Globo Esporte, he would rather return to his native Brazil than stay at Chelsea for another season. The 38-year-old is thought to be interested in returning to his boyhood club Fluminense, who are presently third in the Brazilian Serie A.
Silva’s former international colleague Marcelo is presently playing there, and the two are still friends after playing for the Seleço together. Despite a strong personal season, Chelsea has struggled this season, finishing 11th in the Premier League and out of all cup tournaments.
Mendy may go.
If a ‘nice proposition’ emerges, Chelsea custodian Edouard Mendy could leave the club this summer.
“Important proposal” – Chelsea ‘prepare for’ departure of player this summer
According to trade guru Fabrizio Romano, Mendy switched agencies last week to Lian Sports, with new agent Fali Ramadani in charge of his future. Mendy has slipped to the second-choice custodian at Chelsea behind Kepa Arrizabalaga following a string of blunders at the close of last season and the start of this season.
Though the Senegalese international has also been injured this season, he has not started a single match for the Blues in any competition since a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United in November. That said, Mendy’s replacement Kepa hasn’t exactly set the world on fire since recovering the number one rank, with old flaws resurfacing, such as his ability from long shots.
