N'Golo Kante hints at Chelsea stay

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has hinted that he will extend his contract with the club.

Since joining the Blues from Leicester City in the summer of 2016, Kante has gone on to make 269 appearances, contributing 13 goals and 16 assists.

Kante has missed the majority of the 2022-23 campaign, but he has featured regularly since returning to action at the start of April.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, there is currently uncertainty surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge.

However, the France international has indicated that he is open to extending his seven-year association with the West London club.

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Kante was asked whether he wants to be part of the club's new project under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake capital.

The 32-year-old told Sky Sports: "For sure. It's an exciting project for the club. Unfortunately, this season hasn't been to Chelsea's standards.

"But everyone wants to go in this way, the way of success and winning titles. I hope this club will again fight in this direction.

"Let's see where I will be but I hope that this is a change for the club, that is most important."

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After enduring a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Frenchman expressed his delight in returning to first-team action.

"It was the purpose of the surgery, to come back strong," Kante added. "At the moment I feel good, hopefully it'll carry on like this. For the last weeks I've been playing I've felt very good.

"Hopefully I can carry on for the rest of the season and hopefully the most difficult part is behind me, and I'm able to forget it - enjoying football again and wins again. Hopefully more success [too]."

Having made four consecutive starts for Frank Lampard's side, Kante is expected to retain his place in the side for Saturday's home meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea, who occupy 11th position in the Premier League table, will be looking to claim consecutive victories after beating Bournemouth 3-1 last weekend