Young Player of the World Cup Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he left “secret notes” for N’Golo Kante urging the Chelsea midfielder to join him at Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The 19-year-old, who lit up the tournament, also confirmed to France Football that PSG President Al Khelaifi had spoken with him about the prospect of getting Kante to make the move. “It is true that he has consulted me, and I said to him once again that Kante would be good for our team. I spoke to N’Golo during the World Cup, but not extensive because I know that when you bombard the brain with transfer stuff. ‘At the end, I left a few words in his pockets, that he would have discovered once he got home (from the World Cup) to properly send a message.”
Kante’s stock has risen year-on-year since leaving Caen and joining Leicester City in 2015. He helped the Foxes to a surprising Premier League title that season before moving to Stamford Bridge, where he won another league title at Chelsea the following year. He became only the ninth player to win England’s top flight with two different clubs, and only the second to do so in back-to-back seasons. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was the first, with the same two clubs in the opposite order. Kante is under contract in west London until 2021, and would likely cost a pretty penny to tempt Chelsea to discuss any business. PSG, of course, are no strangers to paying out for top talent – and the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Mbappe, Neymar and Edinson Cavani may turn Kante’s head.
As well as the Chelsea engine, the French champions are also said to be looking at Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen to strengthen their back line and provide competition for places. Spurs fans have taken to social media to offer their distaste for the reports, with Vertonghen a popular player at the north London club. Having come through the ranks at Ajax alongside Barcelona defender Thomas Varmaelen, Vertonghen moved to Tottenham in 2012. His versatility is something that will be attractive to PSG, with his natural position as center back complemented by his abilities at left back as well. His contract expires in 12 months and so the Belgian international could potentially wind up leaving on a free, but Spurs are believed to have offered him a new contract to keep him at the club.
PSG’s interest in England’s top flight continues on, with Kante’s team-mate Antonio Rudiger also believed to be on their radar. Rudiger, like Vertonghen, is versatile at the back, but with four years remaining on his deal this one may be a transfer worth keeping an eye on for a season or two’s time.
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