N'Golo Kante hints he will sign a new contract at Chelsea... as the midfielder commits to the Blues

N'Golo Kante has hinted that he will sign a new contract at Chelsea and would like to play a part in their 'exciting project'.

The 31-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season, prompting reported interest from top European clubs including Barcelona and Arsenal.

The defensive midfielder is expected to sign a two-year deal until 2025, with Chelsea having an option to extend the contract for a further year.

Kante has been a crucial part of Chelsea's first team since arriving from Leicester for £32million in 2016.

He has helped the Blues to a Premier League title and Champions League trophy during his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge so far.

Asked if he wanted to stay at Chelsea, Kante told Sky Sports: 'For sure. It's an exciting project for the club.

'Unfortunately this season hasn't been to Chelsea's standards. But everyone wants to go in this way, the way of success and winning titles.

'I hope this club will again fight in this direction. Let's see where I will be but I hope that this is a change for the club, that is most important.'

Kante has recently returned to action for Chelsea after an extended spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

On his injury, Kante added: 'It was the purpose of the surgery, to come back strong. At the moment I feel good, hopefully it'll carry on like this. For the last few weeks I've been playing I've felt very good.

'I hope I will carry on for the rest of the season and hopefully the most difficult part is behind me, and I'm able to forget it – enjoying football again, enjoying wins again and enjoying hopefully more success.'

He has made 269 appearances for the Blues and scored 13 goals in the process.