Chelsea ‘holding firm’ over £400k-a-week duo at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea are ‘holding pretty firm’ in their negotiations with midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Both players are out of contract next summer and have so far been unable to agree terms on fresh deals, meaning the prospect of them leaving on free transfers appears to be a growing possibility.

What is the latest news involving Jorginho and Kante?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Jorginho’s situation in his latest column for CaughtOffside, claiming that any potential renewal hinges on the ‘financial discussion’.

“Chelsea are in contact with Jorginho’s agent, he loves the club and London, but it will depend on the financial discussion,” Romano explained.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported earlier this month that Kante has asked for a three-year deal with the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

However, the Chelsea hierarchy have only offered the France international fresh terms consisting of two years with a one-year option, leading to talks reaching an impasse between the relevant parties.

Kante, who earns £290,000-per-week, is currently facing an extensive spell on the sidelines through injury, adding further complications to proceedings.

What has Phillips said about Jorginho and Kante?

Jorginho and Kante have both been crucial to Chelsea’s success in recent years and have formed a strong partnership in the middle of the park.

And Phillips has informed GiveMeSport that he believes the capital club will ‘attempt to get one to stay’, although admits ‘neither are looking entirely likely’ at this moment in time.

“I think the club will attempt to get one to stay, but as of now, neither are looking entirely likely due to wage demands being higher than what Chelsea are prepared to pay, and up until now, Chelsea are holding pretty firm with this.”

How big a loss would Jorginho and Kante be?

Jorginho, who earns £111,000-per-week, has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the world in recent years and was named the 2020/21 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.

The Italy international has perhaps struggled to maintain that level since, but he is still a pivotal player under Graham Potter and has registered three goals in 16 appearances this season.

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On the other hand, Kante’s fitness concerns arguably make the 31-year-old more dispensable to Chelsea.

Kante has failed to start over 24 Premier League games in a single season since 2018/19, and with the likes of Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka ready to step up, he could be let go over the summer.