N'Golo Kante has been a key player for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016, however the Blues have since been linked with a number of younger central midfield players.
AC Milan star Franck Kessie is one of those who could succeed the 30-year-old, and speculation regarding his future is sure to intensify after he reportedly rejected a new contract with the Rossoneri.
Could the 24-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder be Kante's long term successor? We compare their league stats from last season to find out.
Kessie would certainly bring a goal scoring dynamic to Chelsea's midfield, as he notched an impressive 13 goals in Serie A last season, whilst Kante didn’t manage a single goal for the Blues.
The Ivory Coast star also chipped in with four assists, whilst Kante got two for Chelsea.
However, the Blues midfielder had the edge in terms of players tackled as his total of 87 surpassed that of Kessie's 72.
The Milan star did boast more tackles in the defensive third (45 to 42) and more blocked shots (75 to 62), with Kessie also having the edge in terms of clearances (59) to Kante’s (32).
The Ivorian has made three appearances so far this season and is yet to score, whilst Kante has played four times for the Blues and has a goal to his name after scoring Chelsea's second during their 3-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
The speculation linking Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge over the past couple of seasons has been unrelenting.
However, if they’re priced out of a move for the West Ham midfielder - with West Ham understood to value the England international at £100million, Kessie could be a great alternative.
