Report: Barcelona now set to beat Tottenham and sign £290k-a-week midfielder
Tottenham Hotspur look set to miss out on one of their biggest transfer targets going into the January window.
Spanish outlet Sport now believe that Barcelona are set to sign Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.
They suggest that the £290,000-a-week star is going to sign a pre-contract with the Spanish side in January.
Kante is reportedly ‘in a hurry to ensure his future’, meaning an agreement next month makes sense.
Tottenham wouldn’t be allowed to offer Kante a contract until his current deal expires in the summer.
This is always going to put them on the back foot, after Foot Mercato suggested Kante may want to stay in London after leaving Chelsea.
Journalist Simon Phillips has reported that Kante is not close to signing a new deal with Chelsea.
Given his massive wages, it’s no surprise Chelsea may be looking in another direction when his contract ends.
Barcelona set to sign Tottenham target Kante
There are certainly pros and cons to Spurs missing out on the French international.
Kante has undoubtedly been one of the best midfielders of the last 10 years in the Premier League.
He was arguably Leicester’s most important player when they won their dramatic league title in 2016.
He’s a World Cup winner, and helped Chelsea beat Manchester City in the Champions League final 18 months ago.
However, his fitness record over the past 12 months has been poor.
Unable to be a part of Les Bleus squad in Qatar, Kante has managed just two league appearances this season.
Kante’s work-rate is arguably his most important asset, and any long-term fitness problem could affect that.
Although Barcelona seem set to sign Kante, Sport believe there’s a chance the deal might not go through.
Xavi reportedly wants Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi to replace Sergio Busquets in midfield.
However, his price tag is currently putting Barcelona off.
If they can find a way to fund the transfer, then Kante’s move will be in serious doubt.
Antonio Conte has worked with Kante before, and knows what he would be getting from the Frenchman.
His recent injury troubles and contract demands mean a deal may not be the best option, even if it ends up being on the table.
