BARCELONA are close to signing Chelsea star N’Golo Kante on a free transfer, reports suggest.
Kante‘s contract with the Blues runs out in June, which means he can start talking to clubs overseas in January.
According to SPORT, Barca are holding talks with the midfielder’s agents and the basis for a pre-contract agreement is practically in place.
A deal between the Blaugrana and the France international could be completed by the January transfer window
The two parties also spoke last summer but the Catalan giants weren’t prioritising additions in midfield at the time.
However, Barcelona are concerned about the 31-year-old’s recent injury woes.
Kante has not played since mid-August, and has yet to compete under manager Graham Potter since his appointment in September.
That is due to a hamstring injury, which cost him a place in France’s World Cup squad and could lead him to another three months in the sidelines.
That’s why Barcelona are also keeping tabs on other midfielders that will be free agents come January.
Among them are Kante’s Chelsea team-mate Jorginho as well as Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.
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Nevertheless, the ex-Leicester star was included in Potter’s squad for mid-season training.
Barcelona have been targeting various Chelsea aces ever since last summer.
IThey signed Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen from the Blues.
They also tried to snatch captain Cesar Azpilicueta but he opted to stay at Stamford Bridge.
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