Leicester: Kante saga coming to an end; second title-winning star could follow

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The N’Golo Kante saga is nearing an end with the midfielder set to join Chelsea. Sky Sports are reporting that the Frenchman is moving to Stamford Bridge after the two clubs agreed a fee of £32million. Leicester had tried to keep him at the club and offered him a new contract, but a move to Chelsea was too good to turn down. For the player, a move to London makes both footballing and financial sense, as Leicester are unlikely to maintain a top four position for the coming years. He is now set to have a medical before joining up with Chelsea on their pre-season tour to Austria.

This is a big blow for Leicester and the first one they have faced since being crowned champions. It will be interesting to see how they react and replace Kante. They still have the core of a very good team and have made some excellent additions. Nampalys Mendy will be able to do a similar job to the Frenchman, but he isn’t at his level yet and Leicester will need to go into the market again for another central midfielder. Ranieri may be tempted to change to a 4-3-3 with Danny Drinkwater, Mendy and a new signing – one that is more of a playmaker. This will provide a different option to their usual 4-4-2 formation.

One midfielder that is unlikely to play a part in replacing Kante is Gokhan Inler, who is set to leave the club this summer. Tutto Mercato Web report that the Swiss international is open to leaving the English champions as he wants regular first team football. He has been linked to Cagliari, and when asked about the Italian club, Inler’s agent Dino Lamberti said:

‘Personally, I have not been contacted, certainly could be an option. We are also considering a solution in Germany, we see.’

Inler was one of the club’s big name signings last summer, but he played only a small part in their successful season. The former Napoli man played only five times in the league, which is incredible considering his profile in Europe. At the age of 32, Inler will be keen to get first team football again this summer as his career hasn’t got long left, especially at the top level. A return to Italy will suit him as he is experienced in the league. Although a move to Germany may be attractive to him. It is unlikely that there is a role left for him at Leicester.

There are conflicting reports on Riyad Mahrez. The Leicester Mercury is carrying quotes from Claudio Ranieri that suggest Riyad Mahrez is set to remain. The manager said:

“I am very confident with him,”

“He wants to stay here with us. He enjoys it, he is laughing. He is not a man who says ‘oh coach, I want to go.’ No, he is happy.”

However Goal.com report that Mahrez is set to reject a new contract. They also suggest that the winger is keen to join an elite European club with PSG being linked to him in the past. It is difficult to predict what is going to happen in this one as there haven’t been any bids reported yet and it could be that the biggest clubs are reluctant to put big money down for a player they aren’t convinced by.

He has only had one elite season and it would be a risk for a club to pay a big fee for him. It may be that his best bet is to remain at Leicester for one more season, to show that he can produce another elite season and perform in the Champions League. The departure of Kante could cause a few more to follow and this news will certainly raise concerns among the Leicester fanbase.

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