Arsenal legend Wenger notes change that made Chelsea ace ‘best in Europe’

N'Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta celebrating for Chelsea

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger explained how a Chelsea hero has become “the best all-round midfielder in Europe.”

Chelsea lifted the Champions League for the second time after outthinking and outplaying Man City in Porto last week. The triumph was the second time the Blues had won the trophy after changing their manager mid-season. Thomas Tuchel’s impact on the sidelines was immense, but from a player perspective, no one played a bigger role than N’Golo Kante.

The French midfielder got back to his best in the second half of the campaign. A number of man of the match displays throughout Chelsea’s European run helped set the tempo and frustrate their opposition at every turn.

Kante is expected to be handed a new long-term contract. That will certainly go down well with Joe Cole who was staggered at how much better he is than a club icon from Cole’s era.

But Cole is not the only figure to wax lyrical about the 30-year-old.

Arsenal legend Wenger has had his say, and declared what change has transformed Kante into “the best all-round midfielder in Europe.”

“N’Golo Kante has added something to his game,” Wenger told beIN SPORTS (via the Metro).

“Before he won the ball and he made a good pass, he was an exceptional ball winner. I say an exceptional ball-winner because he wins decisive balls without making a foul.

June 2 Transfer Chatter - Chelsea's £200m warchest, Barcelona and Manchester United in for centre-half and frontrunner emerges for the Crystal Palace job.

June 2 Transfer Chatter - Chelsea's £200m warchest, Barcelona and Manchester United in for centre-half and frontrunner emerges for the Crystal Palace job.

Thomas Tuchel handed a huge £200m budget for the transfer window, Barcelona and Manchester United locked in race for highly-rated centre-half and the frontrunner for the Crystal Palace job emerges, all in today's transfer chatter.

“But he is now capable of running with the ball and making a good pass in the final third.

“That’s why I am certain he is the best all-round midfielder in Europe at the moment.”

Tuchel connection could save Chelsea £40m

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s prior connections could net Chelsea a £40m saving on a midfield purchase and free up extra money for a blockbuster striker signing.

Chelsea have been regularly linked with a West Ham raid to bring England midfielder Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge.

Rice has excelled once again this season, but English players moving within the Premier League typically carry greater transfer fees compared to deals for those from overseas.

Accordingly, the Express (citing Portuguese outlet O Jogo) reveal that Chelsea have ‘identified Benfica star Julian Weigl as an alternative’ to Rice.

Julian Weigl playing for Benfica, February 2021

Rice is projected to cost upwards of £65m, while the 25-year-old Weigl is stated to be available for £25.8m.

The holding midfielder is a known commodity for Tuchel having managed him during their time with Borussia Dortmund.

READ MORE: William Gallas reveals which crucial transfer can ‘win the league’ for former club