Let’s see some of the transfer talks around the football world.
N’Golo Kante could leave Chelsea as a free agent
N’Golo Kante is in the final year of his Chelsea contract, and Fabrizio Romano believes there is a strong possibility that the midfielder will become a free agent in the summer of 2023.
Since joining the Premier League team more than six years ago, Kante has achieved everything possible with them and cemented his status as a legend at Stamford Bridge.
While Romano acknowledges that Chelsea values Kante, he also asserts that the Blues are actively pursuing several younger players to reshape their midfield.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup champion could leave the team as a free agent next year because they have yet to offer Kante any offers or reach an agreement over a contract extension.
Romano claims that the French star would love to remain at Stamford Bridge since he feels at home.
Starting in January 2023, Kante will have the option of discussing potential pre-contract agreements with other clubs outside England.
Chelsea have still no agreement with N’Golo Kanté on new contract — huge chances for French midfielders to leave as free agent in 2023. ?? #CFC
Kanté would love to stay, but no deal in place yet — Chelsea are already looking at young midfielders.
More: https://t.co/lLFuVeSwds pic.twitter.com/n33g8AvR0h
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2022
Denzel Dumfries responds to Chelsea transfer links
Denzel Dumfries, a wingback for the Netherlands, has called the transfer rumors suggesting he could join Chelsea a “compliment.”
The Inter Milan defender was extensively linked with a move to the Premier League last summer, although Manchester United and other teams were also considering a move for him.
When The Athletic questioned Dumfries about his ties to Chelsea, he responded, “Of course, it’s praise.”
“I’m proud that I can play for Inter, so my focus is on nothing else but the national team and Inter,” he said.
“However, wearing a Nerazzurri shirt is also a huge praise. I play for a very, very wonderful club in Italy.”
This season, he has made 15 appearances for Simone Inzaghi’s team in all competitions, scoring once and dishing out three assists.
Due to Reece James’ injury, Graham Potter’s Chelsea will be looking to add a right-back in the winter transfer window. If Dumfries maintains his stellar World Cup performances, Chelsea may consider returning him.
Denzel Dumfries on #Chelsea links:
"Of course it’s a compliment. But when you put the Nerazzurri shirt on that is also a big compliment. I’m focused on the national team and I play for a very, very beautiful club in Italy."
[via @TheAthleticFC]
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) December 3, 2022
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch: Gakpo to Leeds was 99.9% done before collapsing
According to Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch, the team was close to signing sought-after forward Cody Gakpo in the summer.
The Leeds manager conceded that they could no longer sign him when discussing how close they were to doing so on the Men in Blazers podcast.
“We were so close to landing a deal for him in the summer,” he claimed (via Vital Football). “Given how close it came, it is disappointing for us.”
“Our sports director was in Holland dealing with the family, negotiating conditions with PSV, and meeting with the family. We had already reached 99.9% of our destination, so I felt awful for Victor Orta and the work he had put into it.”
“I spoke with Cody during the process, and I was glad for him to have experienced such success in the World Cup and to demonstrate to everyone just how talented he is.”
The 23-year-old has been having a great time at the world cup in Qatar, scoring three goals so far—one against Senegal, Ecuador, and the host nation—for his team.
