Chelsea midfielder, N’Golo Kante, is set for a shock transfer move to Barcelona in the summer of 2023.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Kante is close to agreeing on a pre-contract deal with Barcelona as soon as January, with the player’s current contract at Chelsea set to expire at the end of the season.

The report added that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández is keen to sign the France international to bolster his midfield next season.

Kante missed the recently concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar because of injuries, but that hasn’t stopped him from being linked with the Spanish La Liga giants.

Chelsea are reportedly tabling a two-year contract extension for Kante, although the 31-year-old star is looking for a third year, which is not forthcoming.