N’Golo Kanté still ‘fundamental’ to Chelsea, assures Lampard

Despite the incessant rumors from Italy about Inter Milan’s supposed interest in N’Golo Kanté, we can rest fairly easily in the knowledge that Chelsea won’t do anything as silly as selling our only defensive midfielder (who is so much more than “just” a defensive midfielder), even if he has had a few injury issues in the last 12-18 months and is getting dangerously close to that scary age of 30. It may be Silly Season, but we’ve already done more than our fair share to live up to that name this year!

Confirming Chelsea-sourced media reports of the club not willing to entertain any offers for Kanté, head coach Frank Lampard told BBC 5 Live that the 29-year-old midfielder remains “fundamental” to his plans.

“I think pretty much every club in the world would want N’Golo Kante. I have seen those reports as well. He is an incredible player and person and I certainly don’t want to lose him. He’s fundamental in terms of what I’m trying to do.

“We can obviously talk about the attacking players we have but someone like N’Golo and the work he does in midfield...

“It was a difficult year for him last year because of the injuries. He came into the season with an injury and it was a domino effect through the year. It was probably a culmination of four or five years of games, so I’m really excited to have him fit. He looks fresh, he’s a big deal to me.

“Of course I want to keep N’Golo.”

-Frank Lampard; source: BBC 5 Live via Goal

N’Golo should be a big deal to everyone, especially if he is and can indeed stay fit — which might mean having to manage his minutes a bit better, Frank.