Chelsea close in on contract agreement for midfielder with stance on uncommon clause revealed

Chelsea are ready to put their faith in one of their long-serving midfielders despite some recent doubts, with a report breaking down what a new contract will have in store for him.

The midfield department of Chelsea’s squad is in the process of evolving in 2023. They already sold Jorginho in January, offloading him to rivals Arsenal. The Italy international was due to be out of contract at the end of the season.

The same is true for a couple of players who are still at Chelsea. For example, Denis Zakaria is approaching the end of his loan spell from Juventus. As things stand, it looks unlikely that he will be kept on a permanent basis.

In addition, N’Golo Kante has less than six months remaining on his deal with Chelsea. He has endured an injury-hit season, reducing the significant impact he used to have on the team.

Therefore, there has been some caution about offering him a contract renewal, especially since he will turn 32 later in March.

However, Kante is still admired by several other clubs, including those elsewhere in the Premier League like Liverpool, which may have led to a reconsideration of his Chelsea future. Recently, optimism began to grow that his deal could be extended.

And now, The Sun has provided the update that Kante is set to sign a new contract with Chelsea after all.

Per the report, Chelsea have offered Kante a renewal for a fixed two seasons. The deal would also contain the option for a third additional campaign with the club.

Hence, Kante could theoretically stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, by which point he would be 35 years old.

READ MORE: Chelsea draft up double deal to bolster midfield with signings from two Premier League opponents

Kante contract won’t contain pay-as-you-play clause

The update also reveals that Kante’s contract would not contain any clause that would see the payment of his wages related to how much he plays. In The Sun‘s words, there is no “pay-as-you-play” arrangement.

That may be something of a risk after his injury record this season. However, Chelsea seem to have faith that Kante can shake those issues off and get back to his best from a physical and technical perspective.

Kante’s most recent appearance for Chelsea was back in August. Since then, hamstring problems have held him back. Yet there is confidence that this season will not be a total write off for the France international.

Beyond then, he could continue his career with Chelsea, in which he has so far made 262 appearances and won six trophies.

The club are planning to invest in their midfield over the coming months, but Kante could still have a part to play in that territory for them alongside any newcomers and existing teammates.

In other news, Chelsea reportedly have a “real opportunity” to sign an £80million-rated striker in the summer.