Kante ‘rejects new Leicester deal with Arsenal his preference’

N'Golo Kante: Linked with a move away this summer

N'Golo Kante: Linked with a move away this summer

N’Golo Kante is reported to have rejected a new contract from Leicester in the hope of forcing through a £20million transfer to Arsenal.

The midfielder was one of the players of the season, having joined the Foxes in a bargain £5.6million deal from Ligue 1 side Caen last summer.

Kante’s form has seen him called into France’s Euro 2016 squad on the back of helping Leicester to a shock Premier League title triumph – but the Foxes have worries they could lose the midfielder, having only inserted a £20million buy-out clause into his contract when buying him.

Leicester had entered talks with the midfielder in a bid to offer him a new and improved contract, and raise the buy-out clause in his deal, but according to Le Parisien, the player has rejected terms – and hopes to seal a move to Arsenal.

But the Gunners will face stiff competition from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who are alleged to be ‘desperate’ to sign him.

The France international is believed to have twice spoken to PSG’s representatives and they have another meeting planned.

But with Leicester reportedly resigned to losing their pint-sized midfielder this summer, Arsenal are likely to step up their interest.