Chelsea are set to open talks with N’Golo Kante over a new long-term deal.
The Champions League winners are determined to tie down the France international, who has two years to run on his current contract.
Despite interest in Declan Rice and the emergence of Billy Gilmour, Kante is still seen as the pivotal figure in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield.
He was outstanding in Chelsea’s run to the Champions League and Tuchel plans to keep him at the heart of his rebuilding plans this summer.
Kante is seen as a contender for the Ballon d’Or this year and a new contract is expected to see off any moves from Europe’s giants to try to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.
A new contract would see the 30-year-old commit his best years to the club and end any doubt over his future at Chelsea.
Kante was said to be unsure of where he stood following Tuchel’s arrival in January – but the German manager made it clear just how important he was to his plans.
Tuchel even revealed that he had wanted to sign Kante for his former clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea are planning to build on their Champions League success by spending heavily in the transfer market this summer.
Rice is a long-term target, but there is a growing belief the England international will stay at West Ham, despite interest from Manchester United as well.
Tuchel has made a top-class striker his priority, with Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku all on his wanted list.
Chelsea are exploring the possibility of landing Haaland, but are unwilling to meet Borussia Dortmund’s £150million valuation.
They are also trying to sign Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi, with players such as Marcos Alonso and Davide Zappacosta potential makeweights.
