Chelsea have supposedly identified AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie as an ideal successor to N'Golo Kante in midfield.
Kante has formed an integral part of the Blues' squad since arriving from Leicester City in 2016, but the France international has struggled to stay fit over the past 12 months.
Furthermore, with Kante set to turn 31 next year and out of contract in 2023, Thomas Tuchel's side are supposedly planning for the future without the World Cup-winning midfielder.
As a result, football.london states that Chelsea could look to move for Kessie as Kante's long-term replacement, with the 24-year-old's San Siro future shrouded in uncertainty.
Kessie has supposedly rebuffed Milan's attempts to tie him down to a new deal beyond 2022, but sporting director Paolo Maldini remains hopeful that the Ivorian will commit his future to the club.
Kessie - who has also been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool - scored 13 goals and set up six more in 37 league appearances for the Rossoneri last term.
Ben Knapton
