Chelsea will want N'Golo Kante to extend his contract with the club in the near future, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Kante joined the Blues in 2016, and has won the Premier League and Champions League with the west London outfit, but his future is a little unclear at the moment.

What's the latest news involving Kante?

Chelsea's takeover has finally been approved by the UK government and Europe, meaning that sanctions on the club could soon be lifted.

This would allow the Premier League side to start signing players, while also holding contract talks with current members of their squad.

Kante is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next year, but he recently downplayed fears about him potentially leaving Chelsea.

He told Sky Sports, as quoted by Metro: "The only thing that is sure is that I have one more year on my contract. It’s not really my concern."

Chelsea CLOSE to signing Jules Kounde! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

What has O'Rourke said about Kante?

O'Rourke thinks Chelsea will be desperate to avoid losing Kante for nothing in 2023, and has tipped the club to enter into negotiations with the Frenchman over a new deal.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke said: “With one year left on his contract, they wouldn’t want him to run down his contract and possibly leave on a free transfer. So, I’m sure, now the takeover is completed, I’m sure they will be sitting down with the likes of N’Golo Kante to discuss his future, and see if they can tie him down to a new contract.”

Should Chelsea be looking to extend Kante's contract?

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of Kante's, having previously referred to him as "unique" and "world-class". He also recently compared the £45m-rated midfielder to Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, as well as Kylian Mbappe, highlighting his importance to Chelsea.

However, Kante has had a number of injury problems in the past couple of seasons in particular, which must be a concern for the club's hierarchy.

Having turned 31 in March, it is possible that Kante's best years may now be behind him. Two years ago, it would have been an obvious call to extend his deal, but now it is not quite so clear-cut.

On his day, the 52-cap international is still one of the best midfielders on the planet, and it is probably worth taking the gamble of giving him a new contract.

If Chelsea receive an eye-catching offer, though, ahead of next season, it could be time for them to consider bidding a fond farewell to Kante, and cashing in while they can.