N'Golo Kante and Jorginho will both be out of a contract with Chelsea in 2023. As daunting as that sounds, there could be the possibility to save at least one of them. If you had to choose, who would you pick to stay at least four more years?
There are so many ways that this scenario could play out. Chelsea could end up in a whirlwind of trouble, or they can exit this situation stronger than ever. According to The Guardian, Erik ten Hag has registered interest in N'Golo Kante to strengthen his Manchester United squad.
With this knowledge, I would hold on to one particular player for reasons that go further than Chelsea's benefit.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel faces huge N'Golo Kante Chelsea decision as Man United make shock transfer call
The Chelsea fan base has remained split on their opinions of Jorginho over the last couple of seasons. Whilst he is a technically gifted player, he looks to be quite limited in terms of defensive capabilities. He is not a typical, traditional DM. Some describe him as a 'Regista': a deep-lying visionary, the midfield puppet master. If he leaves the Bridge he will be extremely difficult to replace. In fact, Thomas Tuchel may need to consider a situation where he abandons the idea of a regista and goes for a more traditional midfielder like a Yves Bissouma or Declan rice.
I guess that option wouldn't be so bad. It'll provide a level of balance to the team that fans have been singing for, for some time now. Since the departure of Nemanja Matic in 2017, the midfield has not yet fully recovered. Luckily Chelsea have a special player who has elevated the side to becoming one of the most annoying teams to play. Imagine playing up against a fully fit, in form N'Golo Kante. He is unrivalled and that's why he's the player I would save.
Manchester United are said to have an interest in signing Kante this summer. I find the notion quite comical. They will lose Paul Pogba this season on a free transfer, and possibly half of their squad, yet they would like to hone in on Kante. The two Frenchmen in midfield make a lethal partnership. We've seen them tear up opponents for the France international team. Kante and Pogba make the dream team, not Kante and Scott McTominay.
It'll be an unforgiving circumstance if the Blues let Kante go to Man United. Not only would we lose out on a player who is ageing like fine wine, despite his injury issues. We will also be strengthening a team that could be battling for a top 4 spot next season alongside us. The day I have to see Kante in a red shirt, closing down Mason Mount or any other Chelsea player, the fan in me would probably lose her mind.
It's a no brainer really. I am a major fan of both midfielders but to raise funds for Thomas Tuchel's perfect rebuild, one player may have to go. If it comes down to it, Jorginho should make his long-anticipated return to Italy. His agent once described a return to Italy as his "dream". Instead of selling on N'Golo Kante to out top 4 rival, let's grant Jorginho his dream instead.
