N'Golo Kante is not feuding with manager Frank Lampard and the French midfielder intends to stay with Chelsea. This was the clarification from the Premier League as media reports from France suggested that Kante could soon leave to join up with either Real Madrid or Inter Milan.
If the reports are correct, Kante will make the switch in time for the January transfer window and the reason for his sudden exit was his souring relationship with Lampard. French publication Le Parisien the Chelsea boss turned down a recent request from the Frenchman to skip training so he can attend a friend's wedding.
Lampard's decision supposedly disappointed Kante and the latter was convinced his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to a close. With interest from Real and Inter on the table, it is believed that the 29-year-old is now open to seeking a future outside of England.
However, the Blues rejected the circulating story as "total nonsense," and the club insisted there is no fight between Lampard and Kante, per the report from Metro.
Chelsea's clarification was supported by the fact that Kante has figured in all Premier League games played by his side so far. And Lampard himself made clear that the France international is "a fundamental" element of his game plan for the season.
"It was a difficult year for him last year because of the injuries ... So I'm really excited to have him fit. He looks fresh, he's a big deal to me Of course I want to keep N'Golo," the club boss was reported as saying.
The talks of Kante leaving Chelsea likely stemmed from his absence in most games by the club last season. But as mentioned by Lampard, the last term was unfortunate for the star as health issues forced him on the sideline.
Still, the likelihood of Kante ending his Chelsea career as early as the winter break seemed not dying out soon. NBC Sports said that with the lure of big European clubs probably disrupting the midfielder, it might be wise for Lampard to begin his search for a suitable replacement.
One viable possibility for Chelsea is to bring in Declan Rice from West Ham United and the new man will be the answer to the side's defensive woes. Already, that should be a big reason for Lampard to let go of Kante.
Also, selling Kante is a good business call on Chelsea's part. To be sure, the Frenchman will amount to cash flow of no lower than £78 million. And a fraction of that money can be used to hire Rice, and perhaps one or two more signings.
