Kante wanted by Atletico on free transfer as Arsenal and other giants in race

ATLETICO MADRID are reportedly ready to battle it out for the signature of Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.

The 31-year-old has been limited to just two appearances this season after picking up a nasty injury and is now in the final five months of his contract.

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have been keeping tabs on Kante while Liverpool recently joined the transfer chase for the French international.

He has also emerged as a target for Barcelona as their boss Xavi eyes midfield reinforcements. 

However, Mundo Deportivo are also claiming that Atletico have entered the chase to sign him.

Diego Simeone’s side are looking to revamp their squad in the summer and they have allegedly “already knocked on the doors” of the star’s representatives.

Kante is free to discuss terms with overseas clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement.

We revealed last week how Chelsea have performed a U-turn in their contract stance.

Todd Boehly dialled in an important meeting with the French World Cup winner and his agents last week.

And the Blues are hopeful that Kante will reject any interest to extend his stay in London.

The midfield ace has been at Chelsea since a £30million move from Leicester in 2016.

In that time, Kante has played 262 games while winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, Champions League and Club World Cup.

But the recent club-record signing of Argentine Enzo Fernandez and the club’s new focus on youth could limit his chances of regular action once he returns.